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Oriire Abduction: Oyo Assembly Pushes for Stronger Security Measures in Schools

June 9, 2026 by admin

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the immediate strengthening of security across public and private educational schools and institutions in the state, following the recent abduction of students and teachers at Community High School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area. The resolution followed a motion moved at Tuesday’s plenary by the lawmaker representing Ibadan South West State Constituency II, Hon. Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi, who urged the Executive Arm of Government to deploy operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to schools across the state. Moving the motion, Hon. Oluwafowokanmi expressed concern that recent security breaches around schools, particularly the disturbing incident in Oriire Local Government Area, had raised serious concerns about the safety of students, teachers and educational facilities. He noted that public schools are increasingly becoming vulnerable targets for criminal activities, including kidnapping, vandalism, cult-related violence and other forms of insecurity. According to him, the present insecurity challenges in our nation, especially where schools are increasingly vulnerable targets for criminal activities, have become worrisome, and warned that the growing threats to school safety could discourage parents and guardians from sending their children to public schools. “What then will be the hope of children of the less privileged and low-income earners whose only available means of education lies in public schools?. At this moment, we cannot afford to keep silent on the need to take proactive security measures that would prevent the recurrence of the Oriire school attack elsewhere in Oyo State,” he said. The lawmaker further argued that the deployment of trained security personnel to schools, particularly those located in rural communities and areas bordering forests, would strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and guarantee rapid response to security threats. He stated that such measures would help restore the confidence of parents and guardians in the safety of their children and ensure that fear does not prevent access to education. The House subsequently commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property and his continued support for the security agencies and the Amotekun Corps. Lawmakers unanimously urged the Executive Arm of Government through the Amotekun Corps to commence the phased deployment of trained security personnel to public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, with priority attention given to schools located in rural areas, border communities and locations adjoining forest reserves. The Assembly also called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to collaborate with Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in conducting comprehensive security audits of all public schools in the state. As part of broader efforts to safeguard educational institutions, the House urged the establishment of a School Security Initiative that would provide dedicated security personnel, communication gadgets, emergency alert systems and other security infrastructure for schools. The lawmakers further recommended the development and enforcement of minimum security standards for all public and private schools, including perimeter fencing, controlled access points and adequate lighting. The House also advocated sustained public awareness campaigns under the “See Something, Say Something” initiative to encourage the prompt reporting of suspicious activities around schools and communities. In addition, the Assembly called for the establishment of functional emergency response and quick-reaction units in each education zone in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Amotekun Corps. The lawmakers equally urged the integration of security education and safety drills into school curricula to equip students with basic safety awareness and emergency response skills. During deliberations, members observed that the current strength of approximately 2,500 Amotekun personnel may not be sufficient to effectively secure all the schools across Oyo State. Consequently, the House recommended the recruitment and deployment of additional security personnel, including trained local hunters and community-based security operatives, to complement the efforts of Amotekun and other security agencies.

Police Rescue Ex-Power Minister Adelabu’s Sister, Her Two Children

June 6, 2026 by admin

IBADAN —- THE Nigeria Police Force has rescued Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, alive during a late-night rescue operation at carried out around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026. According to a source in the Force, two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gun duel with police operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the gang. The victims, including the younger sister of the former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while on their way to drop the children at school. Police sources disclosed that sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with operatives, leading to the successful rescue of the victims. The source disclosed that security operatives are still combing nearby areas for fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

Orire Abduction: Oyo Police Command Launches Statewide Crackdown On Unmarked Vehicles, Fake Number Plates

June 5, 2026 by admin

IBADAN — THE Oyo State Police Command has commenced a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles and motorcycles with improper identification, as part of efforts to strengthen security and curb criminal activities across the state. The command said the operation is aimed at enforcing compliance with vehicle identification regulations while enhancing crime prevention and public safety. In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command disclosed that the exercise targets unmarked vehicles, fake or obscured number plates, and vehicles operating with illegally covered registration numbers. According to the police, the enforcement drive forms part of ongoing measures to dismantle criminal networks and improve the state’s overall security architecture. “The Oyo State Police Command, in furtherance of its unwavering commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure environment and in line with ongoing efforts to rid the state of violent crime and other forms of criminality, has commenced a statewide enforcement operation targeting unmarked vehicular objects, fake and obscured number plates, as well as unauthorized covering of vehicle plates,” the statement read. The command warned that violators of vehicle identification regulations would face immediate arrest, while affected vehicles and motorcycles would be impounded in accordance with existing laws and operational guidelines. It stated that the exercise commenced on Thursday and would be sustained across the state. The police also announced plans to intensify stop-and-search operations, intelligence-driven patrols, and coordinated raids on identified criminal hideouts and blackspots. According to the command, there will be increased police visibility and strategic deployment of personnel across major roads, communities, and other critical locations in both urban and rural areas of the state. The police explained that the measures are designed to deter criminal activities, improve emergency response capabilities, and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement operations. “The Command will sustain intermittent stop-and-search operations, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated raids of identified criminal blackspots across the state. There will also be increased police visibility and strategic deployment of personnel within key locations across urban and rural areas,” the statement added. Residents were urged to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel carrying out the operation. The command assured members of the public that all enforcement activities would be conducted professionally, lawfully, and with respect for fundamental human rights. “The Command appreciates the continued support and understanding of residents and assures that all operations will be conducted professionally, lawfully, and with due respect for human rights,” Olayinka stated. This publication understands that the enforcement operation is also understood to be part of broader security measures linked to ongoing rescue efforts following the recent abduction of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, which has triggered intensified security operations across affected routes and the area.

Peter Obi Backs Pastor Adeboye, Cautions Against Ethnic Division

June 4, 2026 by admin

The National Democratic Congress flagbearer, Peter Obi, has warned Nigerian youths against ethnic and religious divisions, urging them not to be used to promote narratives that undermine national unity. Obi stated this in a post on his X account on Thursday, amid a wave of social media attacks targeting the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over the worsening insecurity in the country. Many young Nigerians had demanded that Adeboye speak out or lead protests against the Federal Government, citing a viral photograph purportedly showing the cleric holding a placard during a demonstration against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. RCCG has since debunked the claim, clarifying that the image was taken during a peaceful walk organised under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and had no connection to any political protest. In his message, Obi said the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, offered lessons on how public discourse can be diverted from issues of governance and development into ethnic and identity-based sentiments. He said politicians who struggle to compete on ideas, performance and vision often resort to exploiting such divisions. “Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people. “Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognising the broader agenda behind such campaigns,” he said. Obi cautioned that many Nigerians often participate in such narratives without understanding the broader intent behind them. The former Anambra State governor defended Adeboye, describing him as a respected religious leader who has consistently preached peace, unity and reconciliation. He said it would be unfair to burden the cleric with responsibilities that belong to younger Nigerians, urging youths to take responsibility for driving national change. “Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace. “At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them. “The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. It is their duty to lead the conversations, champion the reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires,” Obi said. Obi further advised Nigerians to verify information, question narratives, and resist manipulation. “The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests,” he added.

NANS Backs NLC, NUT Protests Demanding Rescue of Abducted Students

June 4, 2026 by admin

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has reiterated its resolve to ensure the rescue of abducted students and teachers nationwide, expressing support for the advocacy campaign led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to secure their safe release. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, amid growing concerns over the safety of students and education workers following recent abductions in parts of the country. Akinteye said the student body remained focused on ensuring that all abducted students and teachers regain their freedom, stressing that NANS would continue to engage relevant authorities and mobilise support for efforts geared towards their rescue. According to him, the association identifies with the concerns raised by organised labour, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, over the recurring incidents of kidnapping targeting schools and education personnel. “The safety of students and teachers must remain a national priority. NANS will continue to support every legitimate effort aimed at securing the release of those in captivity and preventing future occurrences,” he said. The NANS president said the recent wave of attacks on schools and education workers has created fear among students and parents, warning that insecurity could undermine access to education if urgent action is not taken. “Education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear. When students are afraid to go to school and teachers are uncertain of their safety, the future of the country is placed at risk. This is why all stakeholders must unite to confront this challenge,” he said. Akinteye added that NANS would continue to work with labour unions, parents, community leaders and security agencies to sustain pressure on the government until the abductees are rescued. “We commend the NLC and the NUT for standing up for the rights and safety of teachers and students. Their advocacy has helped draw national attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for stronger protection of schools,” he stated. While reaffirming support for the ongoing campaign, Akinteye stressed that the association’s primary concern remains the welfare of the victims rather than political considerations. “This is not the time for division or grandstanding. Our concern is the safe return of every abducted child and teacher. We must keep the focus on the victims and their families who are going through immense pain and uncertainty,” he said. The NANS president, however, distanced the association from groups he described as politically affiliated, insisting that the campaign for the rescue of abducted children should not be used as a platform for partisan interests. “We welcome support from all well-meaning Nigerians, but we believe advocacy on issues as sensitive as the lives of students and teachers must be driven by sincerity, responsibility and a genuine commitment to national interest,” he said. Akinteye also dismissed reports questioning his studentship status, describing the claims as false and reiterating that he remains a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology. He urged media organisations to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication, noting that misinformation could distract from the urgent task of addressing insecurity in schools. “We will continue to defend the interests of Nigerian students andightened hat attention remains on the plight of abducted students and teachers. Our priority is their safe return and the protection of educational institutions across the country,” he added. “We are calling on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively. Every day spent in captivity is another day of trauma for the victims and their families. The rescue of these children and teachers must be treated as a matter of national urgency,” he added. The statement comes amid heightened concerns over the security of schools following the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect learning institutions. In response to the abduction, the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to embark on a nationwide strike, citing growing insecurity and the need for urgent government action to safeguard teachers and pupils. The action received the backing of the Nigeria Labour Congress, which expressed solidarity with the teachers and demanded immediate steps to secure the release of those held captive. NANS had earlier mobilised students and stakeholders for advocacy activities in support of the victims, maintaining that the protection of schools and the safety of learners must remain a priority for governments at all levels.

Ogun Polytechnic Expels 365 Students Over Fake Results, Forged Transcript

June 1, 2026 by admin

Authorities of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, have expelled 365 students for securing admission into the institution with forged academic credentials and falsified documents. This was according to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, Mr Yemi Ajibola and made available to journalists on Monday. The affected students, all enrolled in various Higher National Diploma programmes, were found to have presented fake National Diploma results and forged academic transcripts from different institutions to facilitate their admission into the Polytechnic. Ajibola said that “The expulsion followed a comprehensive verification exercise conducted on the credentials submitted by students during the admission and registration processes. “This decision underscores the Institution’s commitment to sanitising the academic system and reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy against fraudulent practices and other forms of academic misconduct” He added that the distribution of the expelled students showed that the School of Communication and Information Technology was worse hit with 156, followed by the School of Business and Management Studies with 117 students, the School of Science and Technology with 54, the School of Engineering with 36, while the School of Environmental Studies had only two students. The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Koye Jolaoso, has therefore cautioned prospective applicants and admission seekers against the use of fake academic credentials to gain admission into the Institution. Dr Jolaoso said that the decisive action reflects the polytechnic’s commitment to upholding academic integrity, promoting excellence, and repositioning the 47-year-old Institution as a model of transparency, credibility, and professionalism in tertiary education.

ADC Demands El-Rufai’s Release, Declares him ‘Prisoner of Conscience’

May 30, 2026 by admin

The National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress has demanded the immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai, describing the former Kaduna State governor as a “prisoner of conscience.” The demand formed part of the resolutions reached at the party’s 101st National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, where party leaders also ratified the outcome of its recent primary elections and approved major organisational changes ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the NEC unanimously recognised El-Rufai as a victim of political persecution and called for his freedom. “The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the communiqué stated. The resolution is likely to heighten political debate over El-Rufai’s situation, particularly given his prominence in national politics and his recent association with opposition political forces seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections. A prisoner of conscience is someone detained or punished for their beliefs, identity, or peaceful expression, without having used or promoted violence. Beyond the demand for El-Rufai’s release, the party’s highest decision-making organ outside its national convention also moved to strengthen its internal structures as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum. According to the communiqué, the NEC approved the results of the party’s recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential elections across the country. However, the approval excluded contests where appeals were still pending as of May 29, 2026, as well as primaries yet to be concluded. “NEC approved the results of all recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, State Governors, and the Presidential elections; except those with pending appeals as at May 29, 2026, and those yet to be concluded,” the party said. The decision comes amid complaints and petitions from some aspirants over the conduct of primaries in parts of the country. During the NEC meeting, party leaders stressed the need to preserve internal democracy while ensuring that disputes arising from the nomination process are resolved through established party mechanisms. The committee also approved a one-year extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee, effectively retaining the current leadership to oversee the party’s affairs through a critical period leading up to the 2027 polls. “NEC approved the extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) for a period of 12 months from the expiry of their current tenure,” the communiqué stated. The extension is expected to provide continuity in the party’s leadership as it seeks to consolidate its structures, expand its membership base and position itself as a major opposition platform. In a related decision, the NEC approved the constitution of caretaker committees at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels for a period of 12 months. “NEC approved the constitution of the Caretaker Committees at the Zonal, State, Local Government and Wards for a period of 12 months,” the communiqué added. The move is seen as part of efforts by the party leadership to reorganise and strengthen grassroots structures across the federation ahead of future electoral contests. The NEC meeting came barely hours after the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urged members to remain united and focused on presenting the ADC as a credible alternative for Nigerians dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country. Mark had told party leaders that Nigerians were increasingly searching for a political platform capable of addressing the nation’s security and economic challenges, stressing that the ADC must not fail to meet those expectations. With the ratification of most of its primary election results and the extension of its leadership structures, the ADC appears to be consolidating its internal organisation as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum. However, the party’s demand for the release of El-Rufai is likely to attract significant attention, potentially adding another dimension to the evolving political landscape as opposition parties seek to build alliances and expand their influence ahead of the next general election.

Subsidy Removal Saved Nigeria from Bankruptcy, Tinubu Insists

May 29, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu on Friday stated that his administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidy at the outset of his tenure rescued Nigeria from the brink of bankruptcy, adding that the challenging reform measures are beginning to produce tangible benefits for both state governments and citizens. “It was challenging at the time, but we survived. We faced litigation and accusations. We survived them. Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It is growing. Agriculture is booming,” the President said when he received state governors who gathered at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos to celebrate both the Sallah festival and the third anniversary of his administration. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed details of the meeting in a statement he signed on Friday titled, ‘Fuel Subsidy Removal Saved Nigeria From Bankruptcy, Says President Tinubu.’ In attendance were the governors of Lagos, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba, Niger, Ekiti, Delta, Ondo, Edo, Adamawa, Benue, Enugu, Ogun and Kogi states, as well as the deputy governors of Borno and Kano states. Tinubu argued that the subsidy regime had for years consumed enormous resources that benefited only a small fraction of Nigerians while depriving critical sectors of needed investments. He said ongoing reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, social investment, foreign exchange management and fiscal discipline were beginning to restore investor confidence and improve economic prospects. The President acknowledged the role state governors played in managing public expectations through the most turbulent phase of the reforms, saying, “I’m glad governors are no longer borrowing from the federal government and asking for interventions and not knowing how to survive, how to pay salaries, no more. You kept the spirit, you kept the hope. You persuaded our people to be patient and endure these three years of painful reform, during which we put the economy on a reset. Today, the benefits are showing.” He added, “The economy has recovered. Macroeconomic indices are doing very well. Construction is ongoing on roads and infrastructure; the ones abandoned have been rehabilitated. “The housing industry is coming on very well. Agriculture will prosper again. We will achieve food sovereignty if we utilise the land that is in your possession and in your various states effectively,” he said. The Nigerian leader also referenced the Sokoto-Badagry highway corridor, describing its potential for irrigation infrastructure. According to him, “Today, I was watching some clips of the Sokoto-Badagry axis. Imagine how many dams on that corridor for irrigation, for farmland, for electricity. Many of you have survived and promoted the perseverance of many of our people, asking them to trust this government, and you have built that trust around one person: my leadership. I thank you very much.” In his address, Vice President Kashim Shettima described Tinubu’s economic decisions as acts of historic courage that ended five decades of policy evasion. The Vice President said, “Your Excellency, Mr President, this is the essence of your leadership. You did not come to power in the season of ease. You came at a time when the house required more than a painter. “It required a builder with the courage to examine the foundation you inherited. In that defining hour, you chose not to postpone the surgery. You chose not to massage the wound. You chose to confront the contradictions that have held this country hostage for 50 years. That is the miracle of your courage.” “What you have done is not simply to administer a government. You have begun the difficult work of re-engineering a nation. You have reminded us that reform is not a banquet; it is a battlefield. It is not a picnic for the chicken-hearted. It is a covenant with the future,” Shettima added. Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said the subsidy removal and fiscal reforms had delivered a tangible transformation in states’ capacity to meet their obligations. He said states that had previously been forced to issue bonds and borrow money to pay salaries were now reducing their debt profiles. “I think the nation was shocked by the audacity of Mr President to implement that serious policy, but today, it has benefited immensely from that policy. “Many states were subject to issuing bonds and borrowing money. Today, states are not going to borrow money; they’re not going to issue bonds. In fact, we’re reducing our debt,” he said. AbdulRazaq also used the occasion to advocate an upward review of the national minimum wage, urging the President to consider raising it to at least N100,000. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, said the governors had conducted their own assessment of the President’s performance and arrived at a unanimous verdict. “We are the frontline beneficiaries of the innovative approach you brought to bear in governance. “We came to join you in thanking Almighty God who made this thing possible. You have virtually recovered Nigeria from the brink of collapse to a state of stability and survival. “We have assessed your performance, Mr President, and I’m happy to announce that we have scored it 100 per cent,” Uzodinma said. For his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, welcomed his colleagues and thanked them for their continued support for the President, urging them to sustain the political and governance momentum into the 2027 election season.

Atiku Slams Tinubu over Poverty, Insecurity

May 29, 2026 by admin

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the worsening challenges of hunger, poverty, and insecurity across the country. Atiku slams Tinubu over poverty, insecurity The former Vice President stated that Nigerians are facing worsening economic hardship as the Tinubu administration celebrates its third year in office. In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the country is grappling with soaring food prices, unemployment and declining purchasing power. The statement read, “Three years ago, President Tinubu promised renewed hope. What Nigerians have received instead is renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness.” He said millions of Nigerians could no longer afford basic necessities, noting that inflation had continued to put pressure on ordinary citizens and businesses. “Today, millions of Nigerians can no longer afford the basic necessities of life. Food prices have skyrocketed beyond the reach of ordinary families. Inflation has become a cruel tax on the poor. Small and medium-scale businesses are shutting their doors. “Never in recent history have so many Nigerians worked so hard only to become poorer,” the statement read. The former Vice President also expressed concern over the country’s economic situation, saying many Nigerians were working harder but becoming poorer. On insecurity, Atiku said recent incidents of kidnappings and attacks in parts of the country had heightened fears among citizens. “The recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State and the mass kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are not isolated incidents,” the statement read. He added that Nigerians were increasingly demanding accountability from leaders and urged citizens to use democratic processes to shape the country’s future. “The ballot box remains the most powerful weapon in the hands of the people. It is stronger than propaganda. It is stronger than intimidation. It is stronger than incumbency,” it added. He also said that the ADC would soon unveil a policy blueprint aimed at addressing economic, security and governance challenges facing the country. According to him, the proposed plan would focus on economic recovery, job creation, education, healthcare and reforms in public institutions. “At the end of the day, Nigerians seek leadership that is competent, compassionate, accountable, and genuinely committed to the public good,” the statement added. Recall that the President assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to improving security across the country, saying efforts by the Armed Forces and security agencies are yielding positive results in many communities. In a Friday statement to mark the end of his third year as president, Tinubu said that security remains central to the nation’s development and prosperity. “Security remains central to our national mission and to the creation of a virile and prosperous society. Our Armed Forces and security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and criminal networks,” he said. The President acknowledged that security challenges still persist in parts of the country but noted that several communities and highways were becoming safer and more economically active due to sustained operations by security agencies. According to him, the Federal Government is investing heavily in intelligence gathering, surveillance, logistics, technology, and inter-agency coordination to strengthen the country’s security architecture. “We are improving the capabilities of our armed forces and security agencies, and reclaiming the authority of the Nigerian state wherever criminality threatens peace and order,” Tinubu stated. He assured Nigerians that the government would continue confronting insecurity until citizens can live and work without fear. “While we continue to confront the challenges head-on, progress is being made. I want to assure you that this government will not relent until every Nigerian can live, work, travel, and dream in safety,” the President added.

Oyo School Abduction: Suspected Gunmen Open Talks With Govt, Demand Ransom

May 26, 2026 by admin

Suspected gunmen behind the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Ahoro Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have reportedly opened communication with the state government and are demanding an undisclosed ransom. The incident has left teacher Michael Oyedokun reportedly beheaded. The continued delay in the release of the victims, has led their families to mount pressure on the federal and state governments, just as the Seyi Makinde administration has vowed to deploy resources to get the victims returned alive. This came as the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the factional Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee, NWC, led by Kabiru Turaki, yesterday, called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture following recent bandit attacks in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Similarly, Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, yesterday disclosed that he is still awaiting approval from the Federal Government to formally commence operations of his security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, as part of efforts to flush out criminal elements from forests across the South-West. Kidnappers demand ransom Multiple sources told Vanguard that the kidnappers have demanded ransom for the release of their victims. The sources disclosed that indirect negotiations are ongoing, adding that the amount demanded by the abductors was being kept as a top secret. It was further gathered that security agencies have deployed a police helicopter to be on standby in what a source described as “an area of interest”, just as Military jets are said to be making daily sorties over the forests. Efforts to secure the release of kidnap victims are being coordinated by the Oyo State Government, Police, Military and Department of State Service, DSS. Asked whether the kidnappers have mentioned a specific figure, the source said: “The latest on kidnappers is that they have made a demand, but the amount is still being kept under wraps. Indirect negotiations are ongoing.” Another source disclosed that “families of victims are continuing to mount pressure on the Oyo State Government to meet the kidnappers’ demand.” Giving details on efforts by the state government and security agencies, the source said: “Police helicopter is on standby; military jets fly sorties over the forests daily. “Oyo State government, Police, Military, DSS are coordinating efforts to secure the release of the kidnap victims.” Another source, however, assured that the “state government will not spare resources just to get the victims back. “Human lives are more important than money and ego.” Family of beheaded teacher demands body for burial Also, the family of the beheaded school teacher, late Mr Oyedokun Olugbade, yesterday, demanded the recovery of their son’s remains for proper burial. The family, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu through their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said: “We write to formally bring to the attention of President Bola Tinubu the tragic kidnapping, brutal murder and beheading of the late Mr Oyedokun Olugbade, one of the abducted teachers of Community High School, Ohoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State by suspected terrorists on May 15, 2026. “Despite widespread national outrage regarding the death of the late Mr Olugbade, his remains are yet to be seen or recovered. In this circumstance, we respectfully appeal for your urgent intervention to direct the relevant security and intelligence agencies towards locating and recovering his body, so that his family may be afforded the solemn opportunity to conduct a dignified burial and rescue other victims still in captivity.” PDP BoT, interim NWC call for security overhaul Following recent bandit attacks in the Oriire council area, Senator Wabara and members of the PDP interim NWC, led by Mr Turaki, yesterday, called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture. The delegation met behind-closed doors with Governor Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, where they discussed the security situation in the state and expressed concern over the incidents. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the visit was to commiserate with the state government and people of Oyo State over the recent attacks. He said: “The leadership of the PDP, including members of the NWC, the Interim National Working Committee, and the Board of Trustees (BoT), came to commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incidents that recently occurred in Oriire Local Government and some parts of Ibadan. “We believe the issue of security is fundamental and must be taken very seriously. We are aware of the efforts the governor has consistently made to ensure the safety of the people of Oyo State and to protect lives and property across the state. “Seeing incidents like these happen despite the enormous resources the governor has committed to security is deeply concerning, especially as the election period approaches.” He also urged the Federal Government to urgently reform the country’s security structure, describing the current arrangement as ineffective. “Our message to the Federal Government is that Nigeria’s security architecture urgently needs to be overhauled. This has become long overdue. “It is contradictory for a governor to be referred to as the Chief Security Officer of a state while having no direct control over the security agencies operating within that state. “You cannot imagine a situation where a governor convenes a Security Council meeting, decisions are taken, and yet the Commissioner of Police or military commanders must still seek clearance from Abuja before acting. By the time approvals are obtained, significant damage may already have been done.” We’re ready to dislodge criminals from S-West forests— Igboho On his part, Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, promised to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by Governor Makinde, which regulates the activities of private security organisations operating within the state. Igboho, in a statement, said: “We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, Iru Ekun Security Network and are only waiting for the Federal Government approval, which will be granted soon. “We are absolutely ready … Read more