Police Barricade Aso Rock as Sowore Leads #OccupyAsoRock Protest Over School Abductions

Security forces tightened access routes to the Presidential Villa on Thursday as anti-riot policemen cordoned off main gates ahead of activist Omoyele Sowore’s #OccupyAsoRock protest demanding the rescue of abducted schoolchildren.

The protest drew a large crowd to Eagle Square before they marched toward Aso Rock. Sowore, who led the march, was confronted by heavy security deployment around the Villa. At one point, he challenged the police officers guarding the area about their own children’s safety.

“I want to ask all these police officers, do you think your children are safe?” Sowore told the crowd gathered near the barricades.

Why They’re Protesting

The demonstration was triggered by the mass abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from a school in Oyo State on May 15, and the separate abduction of 42 pupils from a school in Borno State. The spate of attacks on educational institutions has sparked nationwide outrage and protests by teachers, parents, and civil society groups.

In response, President Tinubu approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to protect schools and vulnerable communities, and a specialised rescue unit has been tasked with securing the release of those held captive.

Teachers Join In

The Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike in affected states, saying its members could not continue working under the threat of abduction. The strike has shut schools across several local government areas in the North-Central and Northeast regions.

Sources: Punch, Guardian, Daily Trust, BusinessDay