Oyo abduction: ‘Bandits, terrorists must go’ protest hits Ibadan

By Tolulope Oke

Protesters on Tuesday took to the streets of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in the state.

The demonstration, tagged “Bandits and terrorists must go,” was led by social media activist and influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

The protesters called for urgent government action, insisting that the kidnapped victims—abducted by armed bandits about a month ago—must be rescued without delay.

VeryDarkMan had earlier mobilised residents of Ibadan to join the protest, urging sustained public pressure over the fate of the abducted students and teachers.

The latest demonstration comes amid rising tension in the state following the kidnapping of over 40 pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, members of the Hausa community in Ibadan had earlier staged a separate protest, alleging ethnic profiling in the aftermath of the abduction, as suspicion continues to mount across affected communities.