Oyo State Govt Declares 16-hour Curfew In 10 Local Government Area

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the declaration of a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state. According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The curfew, which is between 4PM and 8 AM, and lasts for 48 hours in the first instance, affects local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The affected local government areas are: 1. Oriire (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile) 2. Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho) 3. Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi) 4. Saki West (Headquarters: Saki) 5. Saki East (Headquarters: Ago-Amodu) 6. Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede / Ago-Are) 7. Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu) 8. Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin) 9. Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti) 10. Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo )

Oyo Schools will stay Shut until Security Improves, says NUT

  The Nigeria Union of Teachers has stated that public schools in the state should only reopen after the government has implemented sufficient security measures to ensure the safety of pupils, teachers, and other school personnel. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NUT directed teachers in public schools to embark on an indefinite strike following the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15. The secretary of the union, Mr Olukayode Salami, told NAN in Ibadan on Tuesday that schools might reopen once the government implements adequate security measures to restore confidence among teachers, parents and learners. Salami said the union’s decision to withdraw teachers from classrooms was prompted by growing insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of abducted victims. According to him, the development created fear, tension and psychological instability among teachers and learners, while some parents had also begun withdrawing their children from schools. “As much as we have casualties among learners in terms of abduction, we have higher casualties among teachers because two of them were killed. “The continuous detention of victims in captivity is another factor of concern to all of us. “The emotion, tension and panic in society also contributed to the decision because classrooms were no longer safe and teachers were not psychologically stable to carry out their duties,” he said. The NUT secretary noted that the union did not immediately embark on the strike after the incident but took the decision when it became apparent that the security situation had not improved sufficiently. He said the union attached conditions to the suspension of academic activities, including the safe rescue of abducted persons and the implementation of measures to prevent a recurrence. “The condition we attached was for government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe rescue of these people. “Secondly, government must put measures in place that can guard against such occurrences. “No condition is permanent and no decision is permanent. “Once meaningful measures are put in place, there will be a need to review the position and see how we can collectively move forward,” the secretary said. Salami also said that schools should remain safe learning environments and not become targets of criminal activities. “If anybody has a grievance against government, such persons should address it with government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people who are not responsible for any offence,” he said. The union leader disclosed that the NUT and other stakeholders recently held marathon meetings with government officials to discuss solutions to the security challenges. According to him, a communiqué was issued after the meetings, while action plans were also developed and submitted to the government for implementation. “We are waiting for the implementation of those action plans, especially those requiring immediate action. “Schools and classrooms cannot remain shut forever, but we need to see signs that will restore confidence in society for us to return to work,” he said. Salami called for increased security patrols across vulnerable parts of the state, saying such measures would reassure residents and discourage criminal activities. He suggested the establishment of joint security task forces comprising conventional security agencies and local security outfits, including hunters and vigilante groups. According to him, local government areas bordering forests and other vulnerable locations should have dedicated security formations carrying out regular patrols and intelligence gathering. “If we begin to see security patrols across every nook and cranny of the state, especially vulnerable areas, it will send a signal that government is addressing the situation. “There should be no room for criminality. Once confidence and peace of mind are restored, people will be able to go about their normal activities, including teaching and learning,” he said. Salami, however, noted that the responsibility for providing security rests with the government, which possesses the required personnel, logistics and authority to deploy security operatives where necessary. He urged the government to treat the issue as a matter of urgency in the interest of education and public safety. (NAN)

Suspect in Viral Abuse Video Arrested, 18-Year-Old Classified as Child – Activist

  Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, has disclosed that the suspect accused of assaulting an 18-year-old woman in a viral abuse video has been arrested and is currently in police custody. He further stated that the young woman was taken away while still a child and that her father had no knowledge of any purported marriage involving her. Gwamnishu disclosed the development in an update shared on Instagram on Tuesday, stating that preliminary findings also indicated that the lady identified as ‘Chisom’ was 15 years old when her relationship with the suspect reportedly began. The update follows a disturbing video that surfaced on Monday showing a visibly injured young woman, said to be an 18-year-old wife. The footage showed the woman with apparent facial injuries as a man identified as her husband exchanged words with neighbours who confronted him over the alleged abuse. A separate video later surfaced showing the woman at what appeared to be a hospital alongside Gwamnishu. In the clip, the activist spoke about plans to secure the man’s arrest, but the young woman pleaded against such action. Providing an update, Gwamnishu said, “Preliminary findings indicate that Chisom was only 15 years old when the relationship between her and the man reportedly began.” He said he initially considered backing down after Chisom pleaded with him not to pursue the suspect’s arrest. “Yesterday, while she pleaded with us not to arrest the man claiming to be her husband, I almost backed down. However, something in me said, ‘Harrison, involve your Lagos team,’” he wrote. According to him, members of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation’s Lagos chapter intervened, after which the suspect was handed over to the Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters. “The suspect was handed over to Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters, his statement was obtained, he was detained, and officers also visited Chisom at the hospital,” Gwamnishu stated. The activist further disclosed that he received a call from a relative of Chisom’s father, who claimed the young woman was taken away alongside her siblings after her mother’s death when she was seven years old. “Earlier today, I received a call from a relative of Chisom’s father, who narrated that Chisom was taken away after her mother died. She was just seven years old when members of her late mother’s family took her and her three siblings away,” he said. According to Gwamnishu, the relative told him that Chisom’s father became depressed after losing his wife and having his children taken away from him, and that family members had not seen Chisom and two of her siblings until the viral video surfaced online. “They also stated that he was never aware of any marriage involving Chisom and the man now claiming to be her husband,” Gwamnishu added. He said the organisation would continue to support the young woman as investigations progress. “Why we cannot abandon 18-year-old Chisom. Her case is unusual, and she is deeply traumatised. Despite everything she has been through, she still needs support, protection, and understanding,” he wrote. Gwamnishu added that his Lagos State Director, Nta Amarachi Judith, was actively following up on the matter while the organisation awaited the outcome of the police investigation.

FG Intensifies Call for Action Against Sexual Violence

  The Federal Government has advocated a collective, society-wide effort to eradicate conflict-related sexual violence, calling on relevant stakeholders to reinforce measures aimed at prevention, victim protection, and accountability in order to better protect vulnerable groups in affected communities across the country. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the call in a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict globally, on Saturday in Abuja. She said conflict-related sexual violence remained one of the gravest consequences of insecurity, terrorism, violent extremism and armed conflict, with far-reaching implications for peace, stability and national development efforts. According to her, the crimes inflict lasting physical, emotional and psychological harm on survivors, while weakening families, destabilising communities and creating obstacles to recovery, reconciliation and social cohesion. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said women and girls bore the greatest burden of conflict-related sexual violence, although men and boys were also affected, often facing stigma and challenges in accessing support. She described sexual violence in conflict as a threat to national security, social cohesion and sustainable development, stressing the need for coordinated interventions to address the growing menace effectively. The minister called on security agencies, judicial institutions, schools, healthcare providers and social welfare services to strengthen collaboration and improve preventive and response mechanisms against the menace nationwide. She also urged traditional and religious leaders to support efforts aimed at preventing violence, protecting vulnerable groups and promoting values that encouraged peace, dignity and mutual respect everywhere. Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on community organisations and development partners to deepen awareness campaigns, strengthen prevention efforts and expand survivor-support initiatives aimed at addressing conflict-related sexual violence nationwide. She appealed to parents and caregivers to promote values of respect, empathy and peaceful coexistence within families and communities, describing such efforts as essential to violence prevention. According to her, strong families remain the first line of defence against violence, abuse, exploitation and radicalisation, helping to nurture responsible citizens and strengthen social stability nationwide. The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report cases of abuse, trafficking, exploitation and other forms of violence, emphasising the importance of community participation in prevention efforts. She also called on the creative industry to use its influence to challenge harmful norms, promote positive social values and encourage attitudes that rejected violence and discrimination. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said filmmakers, musicians, broadcasters, content creators and social media influencers could help shape attitudes, raise awareness and inspire behavioural change across communities throughout the country. She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting survivors through access to justice, healthcare and psychosocial services aimed at promoting recovery, healing and restoration of dignity. The minister also advocated increased investment in shelters, Sexual Assault Referral Centres, legal aid services, research initiatives and institutional coordination mechanisms to strengthen survivor protection nationwide. She said preventing violence must remain central to national efforts to protect women, children and other vulnerable populations from abuse, exploitation and conflict-related harm across Nigeria. Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged Nigerians to stand with survivors and work collectively to build safer communities free from violence and exploitation, while promoting peace, justice and inclusion for all. NAN

World Cup: Netherlands Crush Sweden 5-1 in Houston

  Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scored twice as the rampant Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a World Cup warning on Saturday in Houston. The big win in front of nearly 69,000 put the delighted Dutch on the cusp of the knockout rounds and gave them liftoff after being held by Japan. Ronald Koeman’s side top Group F with four points from two games, ahead of Sweden on three, Japan (one) and Tunisia (none). Despite the sobering loss the Swedes had plenty of chances but were denied by good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing.   They are still in with a good chance of progressing into the last 32. Japan and Tunisia play later Saturday in Monterrey, Mexico. Sunderland striker Brobbey got his first start of the tournament and repaid Koeman with predatory goals after five and 17 minutes. Before that the 24-year-old had scored only once for his country since making his debut three years ago. In a game full of top Premier League talent, Liverpool’s Gakpo — who set Brobbey up for the opener — scored twice early in the second half. Substitute Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden just before the hour with a classy finish. Crysencio Summerville had the last word for the five-star Dutch. Two crew members from the historic Artemis II lunar mission were among the VIP guests, a nod to Houston’s place as the home of space flight. The Dutch, twice pegged back in a lively 2-2 draw with Japan to start their title bid, made the brighter start in front of their orange-clad fans and King Willem-Alexander. Brobbey, who came in for Summerville despite the winger scoring against Japan, started and finished the first goal. It was made in the Premier League, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Gakpo all involved. Brobbey exchanged passes with Gakpo, before the Anfield attacker crossed in low from the left for his team-mate to stab in from close range. Sweden, who thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their first game, could not handle Brobbey’s muscular presence. Up front the much-vaunted attack of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal were feeding on scraps for Sweden. – Gakpo’s half – Twelve minutes after his opener Brobbey made it 2-0 when a deflected Denzel Dumfries cross from the right fell perfectly into his path and he toe-poked past Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Sweden’s English coach Graham Potter was in deep discussions with his backroom staff as the game threatened to run away from them. At the unpopular hydration break Potter made a beeline for left-sided defender Gabriel Gudmundsson of Leeds United, who was being overrun by the flying Dumfries and Donyell Malen. Sweden then had their best chance, Gyokeres crossing for an unmarked Yasin Ayari who completely miscontrolled the ball with his chest. Gyokeres was next to fluff a good chance, failing to make proper contact after being played in by the largely anonymous Isak. Gyokeres and Ayari twice both had further sights of goal, only to be denied by the increasingly overworked Verbruggen. The Netherlands were hanging on by end of the half. Koeman sent on Summerville for Malen at the break, and two minutes later it was mission impossible for Sweden, Gakpo prodding in from close range after yet another dangerous low cross from Dumfries. All three goals were strikingly similar. Gakpo scored a lovely fourth on 54 minutes, turning inside his defender before firing low into the bottom corner. Nottingham Forest winger Elanga pulled one back five minutes later when he raced clear of the Dutch defence and rattled the ball past Verbruggen. West Ham’s Summerville made it five in the dying minutes with his second goal in North America. Sweden face Japan next while the Netherlands play Tunisia. AFP

Kogi Police Begin Clampdown on Vehicles Using Illegal or Covered Number Plates

  The Kogi State Police Command on Monday commenced a statewide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced, or no registration number plates. A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, stated that the exercise was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu and is aimed at strengthening public safety by denying criminal elements the use of unidentifiable vehicles for criminal activities. “The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, has directed all Area Commanders, Motor Traffic police and Divisional Police Officers to enforce full compliance within their Areas of Responsibility. Vehicles found in violation will be impounded and subjected to investigation in line with extant laws,” she wrote. She advised Motorists, transport operators, and fleet owners to ensure that all vehicles display valid, clearly visible registration number plates at all times, and to keep relevant documents up to date and readily available for inspection when required. She said that the exercise is a proactive security measure designed to enhance crime prevention, improve vehicle identification, and strengthen overall security operations across the State. She noted that the Kogi State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to cooperate fully for the success of this initiative. Afusat urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through emergency channels.  

BREAKING: Oyo Govt Declares Tuesday Public Holiday to Commemorate Islamic New Year 1448

  The Oyo state Government has declared Tuesday 16th of June, 2026 as a public holiday. The state government, in a circular signed by the SSG, Prof. Musibau Babatunde and made available to newsmen on Monday, said the holiday is in honour of the new Hijirah islamic calendar year 1448. The government urged the citizens, especially Muslim faithful to pray for a continued peace and progress of the state. over 1000 hajj pilgrims from Oyo State that went to the Holy Land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia in May returned safely days ago.

Abubakar Pursued Abiola’s Release Before His Death – Obasanjo

  Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday disclosed that former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), was actively working to secure the release of June 12, 1993 presidential election winner, Chief MKO Abiola, before Abiola’s sudden death in detention. He revealed that Abiola’s son, Kola, was already in Abuja to take his father home when news of his death broke. Obasanjo made the disclosure at the public presentation of three books in honour of Abubakar’s 84th birthday, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and attended by President Bola Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour. Describing the events surrounding Abiola’s case, he revealed details of private conversations he had with Abubakar during the period. “Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released and you kept me regularly informed, and also related messages to the family. “Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened. “I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘our man is dead,’” Obasanjo said. Describing Abubakar as “a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker,” Obasanjo recounted how the former Head of State steadied the nation in the immediate aftermath of Gen. Sani Abacha’s death in June 1998, and moved quickly to defuse the political crisis surrounding Abiola’s continued detention. “You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death. You emerged from the cloud and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation. Political prisoners were released, and I was. “As has been said by the President of the Senate, the National Assembly is a beneficiary of that,” Obasanjo said. The former President also credited Abubakar with initiating and sustaining Nigeria’s return to democratic governance, noting the speed with which the transition was accomplished. “Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored,” he said. Speaking earlier at the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Abubakar as “a remarkable statesman with a lifetime of dedication to the service of the nation and humanity,” and recounted his role in guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition to civilian rule. Jonathan commended the former Head of State for what he described as uncommon courage and selflessness in promoting peace and progress in Nigeria, as well as his continued advocacy for peace in the years since leaving office, a legacy, he said, measured not by the number of years in office but by the achievements recorded. He further praised Abubakar for stabilising Nigeria’s democracy and for resisting any pressure to remain in office longer than necessary, describing it as a defining act of statesmanship. The former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, formally introduced the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre to the gathering, the initiative for which President Tinubu, in his remarks, directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate land along the Airport Road in Abuja, with the Federal Government committing to fund its construction. Saturday’s event featured the public presentation of three books: ‘Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,’ with a foreword by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; ‘Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar’; and ‘Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,’ reviewed by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR. The programme was chaired by former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, and featured a keynote address on “Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,” delivered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. Abubakar became Nigeria’s 11th Head of State following Abacha’s death on June 8, 1998, after the Provisional Ruling Council elected him over Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi in a vote he describes in his autobiography. Abiola, who had been detained since 1994 after declaring himself president based on his landslide victory in the annulled June 12, 1993 election, died in custody on July 7, 1998, just over a month after Abubakar assumed office. Abubakar went on to oversee a transition programme that handed over power to President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.

EPL: Fulham hold talks with Arbeloa over Manager’s Job

  Fulham have reportedly opened talks with Álvaro Arbeloa as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager following Marco Silva’s exit. Silva left Craven Cottage after five years in charge to take over at Benfica, ending a successful spell that saw Fulham establish themselves as a stable Premier League side and finish 11th last season. As reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, Arbeloa, 43, has emerged as a strong contender for the role, although sources suggest that talks are not yet at an advanced stage. The former Spain international is admired within Fulham’s recruitment structure for his coaching development within Real Madrid’s system, where he progressed through the youth ranks before stepping into a senior interim role last season. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Arbeloa worked across various coaching levels and briefly took charge of the first team on an interim basis, having previously been part of the club’s youth setup. His elevation came during a period of transition that also saw changes involving senior coaching figures, including José Mourinho and Xabi Alonso, both of whom have been linked with managerial movements across Europe. Arbeloa’s playing career also includes spells in the Premier League with Liverpool F.C. and West Ham United F.C., which is seen as a potential advantage as Fulham consider candidates familiar with English football. Fulham have also explored other options, including former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, but his availability was complicated by contractual issues before he subsequently stepped away to take a break from management. For now, Arbeloa remains one of several candidates under consideration as Fulham weigh up their next appointment following a solid mid-table finish and the ambition to continue progressing in the Premier League.

Chimamanda Adichie Raises Cover-Up Allegations Against Lagos Hospital Following Son’s Death

  Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has published a letter she wrote to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos, accusing the hospital of orchestrating a cover-up in the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege. Adichie shared the letter, dated April 16, 2026, on her Facebook page on Saturday, saying she decided to make it public “because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it.” In the letter, the author alleged that the Medical Director of Euracare, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, visited the family at their Ikoyi home on January 8, the day after Nkanu’s death, and admitted that the anaesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, had not followed the standard of care. According to the letter, Majekodunmi told Adichie on January 6 that Ogundare had given Nkanu “too much propofol” — words she described as his exact statement to her after she saw him rush into the catheterisation laboratory where the child was. She said the director accepted full responsibility and promised to dismiss Dr Ogundare. However, she alleged that he subsequently stopped communicating with the family, stating that Euracare management had taken over and effectively silenced him. Adichie further alleged that Euracare listed bacterial and fungal meningitis as the cause of death on Nkanu’s death certificate, a claim she described as inaccurate. “When Nkanu came to Euracare that morning for tests, he was conscious and talking and interactive. He was sick but he was not critical,” she stated. She added that the certificate must be corrected to reflect what she believes was the true cause: improper sedation, hypoxic brain injury, and cardiac arrest. The author also alleged that a senior figure in Euracare’s ownership sent a message to a family relative warning that she should not pursue court action because “bad things may be said about her since court cases are about winning and anybody would do anything to win.” Adichie described the message as “manipulative and implicitly threatening.” “They can drag all they wish in the mud, but our quest for justice will continue,” she said. On the ongoing inquest, Adichie noted that it was Euracare itself that first applied for a coroner’s inquest in January, citing “rumours of negligence.” She said the hospital has since deployed delaying tactics and is now seeking to stop the inquest entirely. “If Euracare cares about the truth, then why create delays and distractions and now, finally, try to stop an inquest?” she asked. The Lagos State High Court, on May 26, granted Euracare leave to challenge the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court, ordering a stay of the inquest proceedings pending the determination of a judicial review application filed by the hospital. The Coroner’s Court subsequently adjourned the matter to October 8, 2026. The Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and the Chief Coroner of Lagos State have since filed a preliminary objection urging the High Court to dismiss Euracare’s application, describing it as incompetent, premature, and an abuse of court process. Nkanu, the older of Adichie’s twin sons, died on January 7, 2026, following complications during sedation procedures at Euracare. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria subsequently suspended Dr Ogundare and Dr Majekodunmi, alongside the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, pending disciplinary proceedings. Euracare had not responded to Adichie’s post as of the time of this report.