By The human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Thursday led a peaceful protest in Abuja aimed at demanding the immediate release of school children and other victims kidnapped across Nigeria.
On Wednesday, Sowore made a public post about the protest scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, from Eagle Square in Abuja to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. He emphasized that President Tinubu must ensure the safety of abducted children or resign from office for failing to perform his duty of protecting the lives and security of Nigerians.
Sowore stated that the action is part of a growing national demand for safe schools, an end to mass kidnappings, and accountability from those entrusted with the responsibility of governing the country.
“We are here today for the struggle of the school kids. Our children have a right to go to school and return home. Our parents have a right not to become a victim of kidnappers and insecurity. Our government have no interest in protecting you, instead they engage in frivolities”
In a video obtained by Afriktimes, there was heavy security presence around the access routes to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, blocking the movement of protesters from accessing the main gates of the State House.
Sowore stated that the presence of protesters is for the school children. Every child has a right to attend school without fear.
“Our children have a right to go to school and return home. Our parents have a right not to become a victim of kidnappers and insecurity. Our government have no interest in protecting you. Instead, they engage in frivolities.”
He also expressed his opinion regarding the dignity of Nigerian personnel.
“The struggle also include the rights of soldiers and policemen to also live with dignity in the country. We fight for them doesn’t mean we won’t fight against them if they misbehave. The struggle is to force Tinubu to endure the release of these kids or resign”
The protesters were chanting solidarity songs, “Free our children”, “Free Nigerian children Now”, “Rescue them or Resign”
“We are here seriously concerned about children. We are here against all odds. Soldiers who should be in the bush to ensure the safety of abducted children are here protecting the politicians” Sowore criticized.
The protest is borne out of the government’s action towards the abductions of school children and teachers across three schools including Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
