Motorists and commuters were left stranded on Monday as protesters blocked the popular Iwo Road roundabout in Ibadan, Oyo State, causing heavy traffic congestion across the area.

The demonstrators, led by the Take It Back Movement, gathered at the busy junction around 10 a.m. to protest the worsening security situation in the country and demand the release of 39 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of ongoing efforts by the group following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of the state in May.

According to him, the movement will continue to stage protests until all kidnapped victims regain their freedom.

"We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. While government officials remain in the comfort of their offices, innocent students and their teachers are being held captive by kidnappers," he said.

Sanyaolu added that the campaign is not limited to Oyo State, stressing that the group is seeking freedom for all kidnapped persons across the country.

"We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, East and West of Nigeria," he stated.

He also criticized political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods.

"We cannot afford to wait until 2027. By then, we may not even know how many people will still be alive. That is why we are protesting in Ibadan, where the abduction occurred. Both the state and federal governments must take decisive action or continue to face sustained public protests," he added.

The protest led to severe traffic disruption around the Iwo Road axis as security personnel monitored the situation.