Commuters Stranded As Protesters Block Major Roads In Oyo Over Insecurity

Commuters and motorists were stranded yesterday when protesters blocked the busy Iwo Road area of Ibadan, Oyo State, causing a major traffic disruption.

The protesters, who gathered at the location around 10 a.m., were led by the Take It Back Movement.

They demanded an end to insecurity across the country and called for the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Speaking during the protest, the national coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of the group’s ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of the victims.

According to him, the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the Oriire local government area of Oyo State in May.

He said, “We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.

“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West and East of Nigeria.”

Sanyaolu also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of Nigerians.

He said, “We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive. So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place.

“The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action.”

The protest led to heavy traffic buildup along the Iwo Road axis, one of the State’s busiest transport corridors, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes to their destinations.