June 04, (THEWILL) — Security agencies on Thursday strengthened measures around the Presidential Villa in Abuja following threats of a mass protest demanding the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
A combined team of police officers, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, and military personnel were deployed to key points around the Villa, conducting thorough inspections of vehicles and visitors before granting access.
Staff and visitors entering the State House were also subjected to heightened verification procedures, while security personnel closely monitored movements within and around the complex.
The buildup caused significant traffic congestion along major routes leading to the Villa, particularly the Asokoro and Federal Secretariat corridors, as authorities enforced strict access controls to the nation’s seat of power.
THEWILL reports that the security alert follows warnings from activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who threatened to mobilize protesters to the Presidential Villa over the abduction of about 46 pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15.
Sowore emphasized that if authorities failed to act swiftly, citizens would be compelled to take their demands directly to the heart of government.
The planned protest is part of mounting public outrage over the abductions, which have sparked nationwide condemnation from civil society groups, labour unions, and education stakeholders.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has urged immediate action to rescue the victims and prevent further attacks on schools across the country.
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