Political Thugs Attack Peaceful Protesters in Ibadan, Says AAC; Party Demands Immediate Arrests

The African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned a violent attack on peaceful protesters in Ibadan, Oyo State, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The protesters, associated with the Take It Back Movement, had gathered to demonstrate against the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the country when armed individuals allegedly assaulted them. Several persons were injured, and others were robbed of their belongings, according to the party.

In a statement on Wednesday, the AAC said the demonstrators were exercising their constitutional right to demand urgent action for the rescue of kidnapped children. The party alleged that the attackers were political thugs transported in multiple buses, who opened fire and physically assaulted protesters in broad daylight.

The AAC also expressed concern that security personnel present at the scene allegedly failed to intervene during the attack, which occurred in a highbrow area of Ibadan close to the Government House.

The party named two individuals allegedly involved in coordinating the attack: Akinteye Babtee Babatunde, identified as one of the leaders of the assailants, and Victor, reportedly a special assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde. The AAC insisted that no individual, regardless of political office, should be shielded from accountability.

The party called on the Inspector-General of Police to order a comprehensive investigation and ensure the arrest and prosecution of all those involved, including their sponsors. It also urged the Oyo State Police Command to act swiftly to restore public confidence.

The AAC warned that political violence must not become normalised in Nigeria’s democracy, adding that the use of violence to suppress legitimate dissent must be firmly resisted. The party expressed solidarity with the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to civic activism.