Democracy Day: Osun Youths Hold Candlelight Procession In Honour Of Nigerians Killed By Terrorists

-Demands immediate action on insecurity

-Seek Freedom For Kidnapped Victims in Nigeria

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

A group of protesters under the banner of The Movement-Nigeria on Friday held a candle night procession in Osogbo, Osun State, in honour of the teacher killed by the suspected bandits and other Nigerians who have lost their lives in the same horrible circumstances.

The concerned citizens of Osun who wore a mourning look during the procession expressed concern over continued staying of the abducted students and teachers in the bandits’ captivity.

They called on the Federal Government to urgently address the country’s worsening insecurity and secure immediate release of kidnapped victims still in captivity.

The candlelight procession, organised by The Movement-Nigeria under the leadership of its National Convener, Architect Dr. Peter Agada, held as part of activities marking the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, saw participants carrying lit candles and placards bearing various inscriptions as they marched from the Fakunle area to Olaiya Junction.

The demonstrators said the candlelight procession symbolised mourning over the country’s security challenges, which they said had continued to claim lives, disrupt livelihoods and leave many families in anguish.

Speaking during the protest, one of the participants, Raphael Odesanya, appealed to the Federal Government to make security its foremost priority, lamenting that fear had become a daily reality for many Nigerians.

“We’re here tonight to appeal to our government to please do something about insecurity. It’s becoming too much. Our farmers can no longer go to their farms. We’re afraid to walk at night and even afraid of travelling,” he said.

Odesanya expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping, particularly victims who had remained in captivity for over a month, saying many families had continued to wait anxiously for their loved ones.

“We’re pleading with those in authority because we can no longer bear it. Security should be a priority for any country that wants to move forward,” he added.

He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities within their communities to security agencies.

Another protester, Mrs. Oluseyisi, said the candlelight demonstration was organised to draw attention to the plight of kidnapped victims and to demand their safe return.
“We’re here to call on the Nigerian government to do something about the kidnapped victims so they can reunite with their families,” she said.

According to her, the decision to hold a candlelight procession on June 12 reflected what she described as the nation’s mourning mood.

“We’re observing June 12 in a mourning mood because Nigeria is mourning.

Things are no longer going as they used to. We can’t even send our children on simple errands without fear. The government should provide adequate security for its citizens,” she said.

The protesters maintained that addressing insecurity was essential to protecting lives, restoring public confidence and promoting national development.

The procession ended peacefully at Olaiya Junction, with participants reiterating their call on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.