Security was significantly reinforced around the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday following plans by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to lead a protest demanding the rescue of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states.
A large contingent of security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was deployed at strategic locations around the Presidential Villa.
The heightened security came amid preparations by Sowore and supporters of the African Action Congress (AAC) and the Take It Back Movement for a planned march to the Presidential Villa under the #OccupyAsoRock campaign.
The protest, scheduled to commence from Eagle Square, is aimed at drawing attention to the plight of schoolchildren recently abducted in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno states.
Speaking ahead of the demonstration, Sowore called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and address the country’s security challenges.
The planned protest follows the reported abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as another kidnapping incident involving pupils in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Among the affected institutions in Oyo State are Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School located in Esiele and Yawota communities.
In response to the incidents, President Bola Tinubu dispatched a federal delegation led by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the affected communities.
The delegation, which included the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, announced measures aimed at securing the release of the victims and strengthening security in vulnerable areas.
Among the measures announced were the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a specialised rescue team to support ongoing efforts.
The Federal Government also called on local communities to cooperate with security agencies, noting that both military and non-military approaches would be adopted in the rescue operations.
Public concern over the kidnappings has continued to mount, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers declaring an indefinite strike in Oyo State from June 1 and teachers staging solidarity demonstrations in several parts of the country.
The planned protest is expected to add to growing calls for stronger action against kidnapping and other security threats affecting schools and communities nationwide.
