Villa under tight security amid protest

Security was tightened around the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday following plans by human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to lead a protest to Aso Rock over the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states.

A heavy deployment of anti-riot police officers was observed at the main entrance of the State House, with security operatives in full riot gear barricading access routes leading to the Presidential Villa.

Access to the premises was restricted to individuals with valid State House identification, while other visitors were turned back by security personnel.

The heightened security followed Sowore’s announcement that he would lead members of the AAC and its affiliate, the Take It Back Movement, on a march from Eagle Square to the Presidential Villa under the banner of the #OccupyAsoRock campaign.

The activist had vowed to proceed with the protest if the Federal Government failed to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from Oyo and Borno states.

Speaking ahead of the demonstration, Sowore accused the government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens and demanded urgent action to rescue the victims.

“You cannot claim to be president of Nigeria and refuse to do the job of Commander-in-Chief. We are demanding that those elected to protect Nigerians perform their duties,” he said.

He argued that the large number of security personnel deployed to prevent protests should instead be assigned to safeguarding schools and communities vulnerable to attacks.

Sowore also appealed directly to security operatives, warning that insecurity in schools could eventually affect their own families.

The planned march is linked to the May 15 abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as a separate kidnapping incident involving pupils in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on the same day.

The affected schools in Oyo include Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities.

In response to the incidents, President Bola Tinubu recently dispatched a high-powered federal delegation led by 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, including the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a specialised rescue team.

The Federal Government also appealed for community cooperation, stating that rescue efforts would involve both military and non-military strategies.

Meanwhile, outrage over the kidnappings continues to grow, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers declaring an indefinite strike in Oyo State from June 1 and teachers staging solidarity protests across several state capitals.