Aso Villa tightens security over planned protest

n n

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

n

ABUJA — Security was beefed up on Thursday at the entrance and exit gates of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as authorities moved to prevent any possible breach amid a planned protest over the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State.

n

Security operatives, including personnel of the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the military, mounted checkpoints and roadblocks around the Villa, carrying out strict screening of all entrants.

n

State House staff were required to present valid identity cards before being allowed into the complex, although no reports of harassment were recorded.

n

By about 8:00 a.m., vehicles approaching the Villa from different entry points were subjected to rigorous checks, with heavy security presence deployed along routes from the Asokoro and Federal Secretariat axes.

n

The measures led to significant traffic disruption across parts of Abuja as security agencies tightened control in anticipation of the planned demonstration.

n

Although no official statement was issued explaining the heightened security, the development is believed to be linked to a Wednesday ultimatum issued by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), demanding the rescue of kidnapped pupils in Oyo State.

n

Sowore had threatened to lead a march to the Presidential Villa if the abducted schoolchildren were not freed.

n

He said the government had until Thursday to secure the release of about 46 pupils and teachers abducted on May 15 from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

n

The activist criticised the Federal Government for what he described as negligence in handling rising insecurity, insisting that leadership must be accountable for protecting citizens.

n

The abduction has triggered nationwide outrage, with the National Union of Teachers (NUT) staging protests and calling for urgent action to secure the release of the victims.

n

Citizens and advocacy groups have continued to pressure authorities to strengthen security measures and improve protection for schools amid escalating kidnapping incidents across the country.

n n