By The Take It Back Movement, Oyo State Chapter, has called for the immediate arrest of Victor Olojede and Akinteye Babatunde Babtee over their alleged involvement in the attack on peaceful protesters in Ibadan earlier today, June 2.
Victor Olojede, a Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Students Affairs, and Akinteye Babatunde Babtee, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), were accused of mobilising armed thugs wielding guns, machetes, and other dangerous weapons to disrupt the protest.
In a statement issued by the Oyo State Coordinator of the movement, Dimeji Salako, the organisation described the attack as a deliberate attempt to suppress democracy and the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully assemble.
“The Take It Back Movement, Oyo State Chapter, unequivocally condemns the violent and cowardly attack carried out against peaceful protesters in Ibadan today during a lawful demonstration against the worsening insecurity ravaging Oyo State and the continued captivity of the abducted teachers and students from Ogbomoso.
“What occurred today was not merely an attack on protesters, it was an attack on democracy itself. It was an attack on the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully assemble, express their grievances, and demand accountability from those entrusted with political powers.
“The attack was led by Victor Olojede (Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde) and Akinteye Babatunde Babtee (President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)) alongside armed thugs wielding guns, machetes, and other dangerous weapons.
“Their mission was clear to intimidate, brutalize, and silence citizens who dared to demand action against the epidemic of insecurity and kidnapping that has turned many communities in Oyo State into theatres of fear,” the statement read.
AfrikTimes earlier reported that unknown hoodlums forcefully dispersed peaceful protesters who were demanding the immediate release of abducted Oriire pupils and teachers.
The incident reportedly occurred along the UI/Bodija route, where the hoodlums were seen wielding weapons and charging towards the protesters.
Mr. Salako further alleged that several protesters were beaten and harassed, while vehicles, phones, and other personal belongings were destroyed during the attack. The movement also accused security operatives of looking away while the incident unfolded.
“The Seyi Makinde led State Government can not wash its hands of responsibility for today’s events.
The government has a duty to protect peaceful demonstrators, not create an environment where armed political actors and thugs can assault citizens with impunity.
“We there demand the immediate arrest of Victor Olojede and Babatunde Akinteye. We also demand compensation for all victims whose properties were damaged and whose rights were violated.
“Most importantly, we demand urgent and decisive action to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students and to address the growing insecurity that has become a daily nightmare for the people of Oyo State,” the statement added.
The movement also announced that the protest would continue on Wednesday.
