NANS, Take-It-Back Movement clash in Ibadan over Oyo school abduction protests

Tensions over the handling of ongoing protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State escalated into violence on Thursday as members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Take-It-Back Movement clashed during a town hall meeting in Ibadan.

The confrontation occurred at the Ibadan Civic Centre in Agodi during a stakeholder forum organised by News Central TV themed “Oyo At A Crossroads: Security, Safety and The Future.” The meeting was convened to discuss possible solutions to the abduction of 46 pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

What was intended as a dialogue on security and education quickly degenerated into heated exchanges, accusations, and physical confrontation between representatives of both groups, with each side blaming the other for undermining efforts to address the crisis.

The clash was linked to a separate incident days earlier along the Bodija axis of Ibadan, where both groups had participated in protest-related activities over insecurity and the school abduction.

The Take-It-Back Movement accused NANS members of being used by political actors to disrupt their demonstrations, alleging that student leaders were mobilised to interfere with anti-hardship protests.

However, NANS officials strongly denied the allegation, describing it as false and politically motivated.

Speaking on the sidelines of the town hall, NANS Joint Campus Council Assistant General Secretary in Oyo State, Damilare Olayemi, said the student body had gone to the area as part of a mobilisation effort linked to the school abduction crisis.

He gave a different account of the Bodija incident, claiming their convoy was attacked first.

“We were heading to Ogbomoso in solidarity over the school abductions when we stopped to buy fuel around Bodija,” Olayemi said. “They blocked the road, and when we asked to pass, stones were thrown at our vehicles. We had to defend ourselves.”

The confrontation highlights growing divisions among civil society and youth groups over how best to respond to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

The Take-It-Back Movement and allied organisations have continued to call for mass protests, civil disobedience, and stronger pressure on government officials, arguing that existing security responses have been inadequate.

NANS leadership, however, has cautioned against prolonged disruptions, warning that shutting down schools and economic activity could worsen instability and undermine rescue efforts.

A senior NANS official argued during discussions that coordinated security operations, rather than widespread shutdowns, remain the more effective path to securing the release of abducted victims.

Meanwhile, academic activities across Oyo State remain paralysed due to an ongoing indefinite strike by the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

The union is demanding improved security measures for schools and a clear government strategy for rescuing abducted pupils before resuming classroom activities.

As the strike enters its second week, public schools remain closed, while parents and community members continue to hold vigils and demand urgent government action.

Security agencies have maintained operations in affected areas, including forest sweeps and coordinated patrols, as efforts continue to locate the missing pupils.

Analysts warn that the growing rift between protest groups could weaken public pressure for coordinated security reforms, even as communities continue to grapple with the impact of the abductions and school closures.