Members of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church took to the streets of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to protest rising insecurity across Nigeria and demand the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The white-garment church members carried placards bearing messages such as “Stop Kidnapping,” “Stop Insecurity,” “We Want End of Banditry,” “Release Our Abducted Students in Captivity,” and “We Want End of Attacks on Our Schools.”
During the peaceful demonstration, protesters chanted slogans condemning kidnapping, banditry, and attacks on educational institutions. A video of the protest, which has since gained attention online, showed participants calling on the federal government to intensify efforts to rescue victims of abduction and improve security nationwide.
Watch the video here.
One of the protesters said:
“We want an end to bandit attacks on our schools and bring back our schoolchildren. We want our children back.”
Another demonstrator expressed concern over the continued captivity of the abducted pupils in Oyo State.
“Bring back our children from Oyo State, Ibadan. Our children are not politicians. They are the future generation. If we lose them, who will succeed Nigeria tomorrow?”
The protesters also called for better governance and stronger security measures, chanting:
“We need good governance in Nigeria. We don’t want insurgency again. We don’t want insecurity again.”
Nigerians React
The protest sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians commending the church for speaking out against insecurity.
Some commenters urged other religious groups and civil society organizations to join the campaign against kidnapping and violence, arguing that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
Others criticized the government’s response to the worsening security situation, saying stronger action is needed to protect communities and schools from attacks.
Oyo Schoolchildren Still in Captivity
The protest comes amid growing concern over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Governor Seyi Makinde recently disclosed that the victims remain within forest areas in the state, where security agencies are continuing rescue operations.
The kidnapping occurred in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yewota communities, and authorities have maintained that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of the victims.
The demonstration by the C&S Church reflects increasing public frustration over recurring cases of kidnapping, banditry, and attacks on schools, as many Nigerians continue to demand stronger action to address the country’s security challenges.
