Motorists and commuters along the busy Iwo Road interchange in Ibadan, Oyo State, were stranded on Monday after protesters blocked the major route, causing severe traffic congestion.
The protesters, led by the Take It Back Movement, converged on the area at about 10 a.m. to demand the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State.
They also called on the government to tackle the worsening insecurity across the country.
The National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of the group’s sustained campaign for the release of the victims abducted in Orire Local Government Area in May.
According to him, “This is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers.”
He vowed that the group would continue its protests until all abducted victims regained their freedom.
“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 said.
He also criticised political leaders for concentrating on preparations for the 2027 general elections while insecurity continued to threaten lives across the country.
“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,” he added.
The protest triggered heavy traffic around the Iwo Road axis, one of Ibadan’s busiest transport hubs, forcing many motorists to seek alternative routes while some commuters trekked to their destinations.
