Groups clash over protest on Oyo school abductions
In Oyo State, tensions rose between the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) and the Take It Back Movement Nigeria following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government. The two groups exchanged accusations during a town hall event in Ibadan, discussing security and the government's response. The disagreement centered on a protest that turned confrontational, with both sides blaming each other for the disruption. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about insecurity and the handling of kidnapping cases in the state.
What happened
- Many schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government, on Friday, May 15, 2026.
- NANS accused the Take It Back Movement of falsely claiming that students were sponsored by the government to disrupt protests.
- The protest in question took place around Bodija in Ibadan North Local Government, where both groups clashed.
- Femi Adeyeye of the Take It Back Movement alleged that NANS members were mobilized to counter their peaceful protest, escalating tensions.
- The issue has sparked broader debates on the political nature of insecurity and the effectiveness of government responses in Oyo State.
