Tension erupted in Ibadan on Thursday as protesters confronted a security convoy escorting a bullion van, forcing the vehicle to divert its route during a heated demonstration over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state.
The confrontation occurred as residents and members of the Take It Back Movement continued ongoing protests demanding urgent government intervention to rescue kidnapped victims and improve security across affected communities.
Eyewitness video footage showed dozens of protesters surrounding the lead escort vehicle, chanting and blocking its movement.
The demonstrators accused authorities of prioritising the protection of money and high-value assets while failing to secure the release of abducted pupils.
“You can protect cash but can’t protect pupils,” some protesters shouted during the confrontation, expressing frustration over what they described as government inaction amid rising insecurity.
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Moments later, the bullion van was seen reversing and taking an alternative route, followed closely by armed escort vehicles, as protesters cheered and continued their chants.
The protest is part of a wider wave of demonstrations across Oyo State following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attack, carried out by armed groups, has triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures.
Reports indicate that dozens of pupils and teachers were kidnapped during the incident, while at least one teacher was allegedly killed, further escalating public anger and prompting industrial action by education workers in the state.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has since declared an indefinite strike in protest over the worsening security situation, leading to the closure of public schools in parts of the state.
Civil society organisations and religious groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, have also joined calls for urgent government action, with plans for nationwide mourning activities in solidarity with victims.
State authorities, including Governor Seyi Makinde, have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted victims. At the federal level, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly approved additional security deployments to strengthen rescue operations.
Despite these assurances, protesters say they will continue their demonstrations until all kidnapped pupils and teachers are safely rescued and reunited with their families.
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