Youths in Ogbomoso have threatened to barricade roads leading into and out of the city if the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are not rescued safely by the end of the week. 

The youths spoke during a visit to the palace of Soun Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), to decry the prolonged stay of the victims in captivity.

One of the youth stated, “Before this week ends, if the children and teachers aren’t home safely. No car will be allowed to enter Ogbomoso. People that will die will die. 

“We’re here last time. We’re here today because the police didn’t allow us to block the roads. We’ll block the roads next week.”

He further expressed concern over the experiences of the victims in captivity, insisting that urgent steps would be taken if they were not released by the end of the week

“Ogbomoso is a common road. This is raining season. The kidnap victims are suffering under the sun and rain. We will take serious step if they’re not released. They (police) should arrest all of us,” he added.

Recall that gunmen stormed communities in the Oriire LGA on May 15 and abducted teachers and pupils in three schools in the area. They killed a teacher and another person before leaving; and later beheaded a teacher in their den and shared the video which has now become viral.

The incident has stirred outrage from Nigerians.

On Monday, residents of Ibadan staged a protest at the Mokola Roundabout, demanding the safe return of hostages. 

The protesters, who moved from Mokola Roundabout towards Agodi-Gate, were led by the Oyo State chapter of the Take-It-Back Movement. Concerned parents, youths and students joined the protest.

The governor and his team visited the area two weeks after the incident on Saturday and reassured families of the victims of ongoing efforts to secure their freedom.

Also, President Bola Tinubu sent a delegation which included his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamilia, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the power minister,  Joseph Tegbe. 

Meanwhile, Mr Tinubu okayed the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the state government and as part of efforts to strengthen security in the state.

Governor Seyi Makinde also urged victims’ families and Nigerians to shelve protest and rather pray to God for bandits to release the victims.

“Terrorists are within our doorstep. I encourage the family members of the children they abducted. This is not the time for protest. Terrorists and bandits are not normal people. So if we are protesting, we are fuelling their ego. The hearts of bandits are in the hands of God. So, let us pray that God will touch their hearts. We are doing everything possible to (secure the) release the children,” the governor stated.