IBADAN, NIGERIA – A peaceful protest in Ibadan over rising insecurity and recent abductions in parts of Oyo State turned violent on Tuesday after a confrontation involving rival groups disrupted the demonstration.
The protest, organised by concerned citizens and civil society groups, was initially peaceful as participants demanded urgent government intervention over repeated attacks on schools and rural communities.
Eyewitnesses said the situation escalated when a group of individuals arrived at the scene in multiple buses, triggering confusion, confrontation, and panic among protesters. The incident reportedly led to injuries and the destruction of personal belongings as demonstrators scattered to safety.
Organisers of the protest alleged that the disruption was politically motivated and linked to student political structures, but these claims remain unverified. Security agencies have not issued any official statement confirming the identity of those involved or the cause of the clash.
Eyewitness accounts remain mixed, with some suggesting the violence may have stemmed from rising tensions between opposing groups present at the protest site.
The incident comes amid growing public anger across the South-West following a series of school abductions and insecurity-related attacks in Oyo State, which have triggered protests and solidarity actions in multiple states, including Ogun and Enugu.
Civil society groups have called for calm and urged authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly, while ensuring accountability for any acts of violence or disruption linked to the protest.
As of the time of filing this report, no official confirmation has been provided regarding arrests or those responsible for the violence. Security presence has reportedly been reinforced in parts of Ibadan, while the situation remains tense as investigations are expected to continue.
