Youths Declare Total Shutdown Over Delay In Rescue Of Abducted Teachers, School Pupils

Youth groups in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have announced plans to shut down commercial and social activities across the town on Monday in protest against what they described as the government’s inadequate response to the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area.

The planned action was made public through a viral video showing youths and community elders moving through different parts of the town with megaphones, mobilising residents to participate in the protest.

Several of the protesters carried placards, while others rode motorcycles along major roads, urging traders, workers and residents to observe the shutdown.

Addressing residents in Yoruba during the mobilisation exercise, one of the youth leaders called for widespread participation in the protest.

“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 announced through a megaphone.

The organisers said the protest would involve the closure of markets, businesses and other public activities, while movement within the town would also be restricted to draw attention to the continued captivity of the victims.

According to the youths, the demonstration is intended to pressure government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the safe and immediate release of the abducted teachers and pupils.

They also appealed to residents to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the protest.

The planned shutdown comes amid growing anxiety among families, residents and community stakeholders over the fate of the victims, with many expressing frustration over what they perceive as a lack of urgency in efforts to secure their rescue.