June 12: Osun Civil Society Protest Insecurity, Demand Rescue Of Pupils

Twelve human rights organisations, united as the Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Activists and Trade Unionists, held a peaceful march in Osogbo on Friday to mark Democracy Day and demand urgent action against the country’s worsening insecurity.

The protesters accused federal, state and local governments of failing to tackle a surge in kidnappings, banditry and violent crime that threaten lives and livelihoods.

Participating groups included the Centre for Sustained Dialogue, Osun Coalition of Civil Societies, Democratic Socialist Movement, Take It Back Movement and the Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria.
Demonstrators gathered at Ayetoro before marching through Old Garage to Olaiya Junction, carrying placards reading “Government Must End Kidnapping in Nigeria” and other messages calling for stronger protection of citizens.

They also demanded the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Victor Lijofi, Osun state coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat if insecurity is allowed to persist. “We demand the immediate rescue of the school pupils abducted in Oyo State. Nigeria’s democracy is derailing, and we urge the federal government to act swiftly before the situation deteriorates further,” he said.

Speakers including Wole Oladapo of Nigerians for Good Governance and Saka Waheed of Dialogue 365 highlighted the damaging effect of insecurity on commerce and daily life, and accused governments of neglecting their constitutional duty to protect citizens.

Coalition spokesperson Comrade Waheed Lawal presented a wider set of demands that linked security concerns with economic hardship. The group called for the unconditional release of all abducted Nigerians, improved security measures to tackle banditry, terrorism and herder–farmer clashes, and decisive action to end police brutality.

Protesters also urged greater transparency in the management of security funds, citing fears over trillions of naira reportedly allocated to defence and security in recent years. They called on the government to reverse policies they described as anti-people, saying such measures have worsened living conditions and made basic necessities unaffordable for millions.

The march ended peacefully, with organisers urging continued mobilisation and dialogue to press authorities for immediate, measurable steps to restore safety and protect democratic freedoms.