Tension is mounting in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as youths across the town have declared a total shutdown of commercial and social activities beginning Monday in protest against what they described as the government’s slow response to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The decision was made public through a mobilisation campaign captured in a video obtained by SaharaReporters, showing groups of youths and elderly residents moving through major streets with megaphones, motorcycles, and placards, urging residents to participate in the planned action.
The protesters called on all residents to remain indoors and suspend normal activities, insisting that markets, businesses, and transportation services would be affected as part of a coordinated effort to draw national attention to the plight of the abducted victims.
Addressing residents during the mobilisation exercise, one of the youth leaders, speaking in Yoruba through a megaphone, urged total compliance with the shutdown.
“Come out en masse, all residents of Ogbomoso. There will be no buying and selling in Ogbomoso. No one should open for business on Monday,” he declared.
The organisers said the action was intended to pressure relevant authorities and security agencies into intensifying efforts toward the immediate rescue and safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.
Throughout the mobilisation, participants moved through various communities carrying placards and making public announcements while calling for collective action against the worsening insecurity affecting schools and communities within the area.
Despite the planned shutdown, residents were encouraged to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the protest.
The development comes amid growing frustration among families of the victims and members of the community, many of whom have accused authorities of failing to take decisive measures to secure the release of those still being held captive.
The abduction has continued to generate concern across Oyo State, with calls mounting for stronger security intervention and urgent government action to ensure the safe rescue of the affected teachers and schoolchildren.