Oyo Protest Attack Sparks Police Petition
Rights groups, lawyers and activists in Oyo State have asked the police to investigate an alleged violent attack on protesters and journalists during a demonstration in Ibadan over abducted schoolchildren and staff.
The petition was submitted on June 4, 2026, to the Oyo State Police Command.
It named the NANS president Akinteye Babatunde, known as Babtee, Governor Seyi Makinde’s aide on students affairs Victor Olojede, and Alimi Yusuf, also called Decimal, as being linked to the incident.
The groups said the attack happened on June 2 during a peaceful march tagged #BringBackOurPupilsAndTeachers.
They claimed protesters moving from Mokola towards Bodija were attacked, leaving several injured, with some vehicles damaged and personal items allegedly stolen.
They also alleged that gunshots caused panic and forced people to flee.
Journalists covering the protest were also said to have been targeted.
A reporter with Agidigbo FM, Moshood Suara, was reportedly beaten, while a female photojournalist, Odunayo Odedoyin, was allegedly assaulted, had her equipment taken and later damaged, and was said to have faced intimidation and inappropriate conduct while being moved against her will.
The petitioners are asking police to investigate all those named, recover missing items, examine claims of firearm use, and address allegations of assault and interference with press freedom.
