Amnesty International Demands Justice After Violent Attack On Anti-Kidnapping Protesters In Ibadan

Amnesty International Demands Justice After Violent Attack On Anti-Kidnapping Protesters In Ibadan

Amnesty International has condemned the violent disruption of a peaceful anti-kidnapping protest in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling on Nigerian authorities to immediately investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

The human rights organization expressed outrage over the attack on demonstrators who participated in the nationwide #BringBackOurPupilsAndTeachers campaign organized by the Take It Back Movement. The protest was aimed at drawing attention to the growing wave of school abductions and attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria.

According to Amnesty International, the protesters embarked on a peaceful march on Tuesday, June 2, moving from the Mokola area of Ibadan toward Bodija to demand urgent government action against the persistent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers by armed groups.

However, the demonstration reportedly turned chaotic when a group of individuals allegedly sponsored to disrupt the rally attacked the protesters at the Sango area of the city.

Witnesses said the attackers descended on the demonstrators, causing panic and confusion. Several protesters were reportedly injured during the assault, while vehicles belonging to participants were vandalized. Personal belongings, including phones and other valuables, were also allegedly stolen amid the violence.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Amnesty International strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable assault on citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns violent attacks on peaceful protesters on Tuesday, 2 June in Ibadan, Oyo State. A group apparently sponsored violently disrupted the peaceful protest seeking an end to the shameful consistent abduction of school children nationwide,” the organization stated.

“The protesters were marching from Mokola towards Bodija area when they were disrupted and attacked at Sango area of Ibadan. Many protesters were injured, cars vandalized and personal belongings snatched.”

The rights organization emphasized that the protest was a non-violent advocacy effort intended to highlight the failure of authorities to adequately protect schools, students, and teachers from the increasing threat posed by kidnappers and armed criminal groups.

Amnesty International noted that the #BringBackOurPupilsAndTeachers campaign was designed to amplify public concern over the alarming rate of attacks on educational institutions, which have left many families traumatized and disrupted access to education in several parts of the country.

The organization further warned that the repeated use of violence against peaceful protesters poses a serious threat to democratic principles and fundamental human rights in Nigeria.

Expressing concern over what it described as a growing trend, Amnesty alleged that state authorities have increasingly tolerated or sponsored groups of thugs to intimidate and disperse peaceful demonstrators, thereby undermining citizens’ rights to freely assemble and express dissenting views.

“The protest tagged #BringBackOurPupilsAndTeachers organized by the Take It Back Movement is a nationwide advocacy solely aimed at bringing attention to the failure of Nigerian authorities to protect children and schools from rampaging gunmen,” Amnesty International stated.

“A pattern of state authorities sponsoring thugs to disrupt and attack peaceful protesters is increasingly undermining the right to peaceful assembly in Nigeria.”

The incident has sparked renewed concerns among civil society organizations and human rights advocates, who argue that attacks on peaceful protesters not only violate constitutional freedoms but also discourage citizens from engaging in legitimate civic activism.

Observers say the disruption of a protest focused on protecting schoolchildren highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures and greater government accountability in addressing the country's worsening insecurity.

Amnesty International has therefore urged security agencies and relevant authorities to launch a transparent and independent investigation into the attack, identify all perpetrators and sponsors, and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The organization stressed that justice for the victims of the attack is essential to safeguarding democratic freedoms and preventing future assaults on peaceful civic engagement.