By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.