Demonstrators march through Ikeja in solidarity with victims in Oyo and other affected states, calling for urgent government action.active
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Lagos on Wednesday to demand the release of abducted schoolchildren and draw attention to the worsening security situation across the country. The demonstration, which began around the Ikeja Under Bridge area, was held in solidarity with ongoing protests over the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
In videos shared by AIT, protesters were seen carrying placards and chanting slogans such as “Social Revolution,” “No to Abduction,” and “Bring Back Our Children,” while calling on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue victims and prevent further attacks.
Participants stressed that the rally was peaceful and aimed at drawing national attention to the growing wave of kidnappings and insecurity affecting several parts of Nigeria. Beyond the Oyo school abductions, demonstrators also highlighted reported kidnapping incidents in Bauchi State and the recent school bus attack in Kogi State, describing them as signs of a broader security crisis. Security personnel were deployed to manage traffic and maintain order during the march.
However, the protest also sparked conversations online, with some Nigerians questioning why security agencies can effectively coordinate traffic during demonstrations but often struggle to maintain a visible presence in communities vulnerable to kidnappings and other violent crimes.