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Oyo Abduction: Terrorists Open Talks, Give Condition

May 23, 2026 by admin

Suspected terrorists responsible for abducting schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly established contact with the state government. Two highly credible sources told our correspondents that the hoodlums refused to speak directly with the families of the victims. “They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation. So, nobody knows the details and what they are demanding,” a source said. It cannot, however, be confirmed if the negotiation is being done by the governor himself or a representative of the state. But a top source said the communication channel was a relief. “It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do. But the risks are too high. The relief is that at least now, they are talking,” the source said. The demands of the terrorists were being kept discreet in order not to jeopardise the lives of the victims. The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the matter. “I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said in a terse message. Fear over fate of toddlers Teachers and pupils, including toddlers aged two and three, were reportedly abducted in three schools last Friday. The victims have now spent eight days in captivity. Families and community leaders say their fears have increased as the rainy season sets in, which makes movement through forests and rough terrains increasingly difficult and dangerous for the captives. Sources within affected communities told Saturday PUNCH that the victims were being moved in thick forests and across states to evade security pressure. They noted that survival for the children in such harsh conditions had become a major source of concern for parents already traumatised by the attack. A community leader, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said residents were in the dark about the whereabouts of the abductees. “We are worried about their safety. We don’t know how they are faring. Children of two-year-old are among the abductees,” the source said. Teachers, pupils abandon classrooms The pupils in public and private primary and secondary schools in Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities like Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and Dananu had abandoned classrooms following the incident. Findings by our correspondents revealed that school attendance had also dropped drastically across communities as many parents had refused to send their children to school over security concerns. Also, despite assurances from the Oyo State Government, teachers and education workers said fear remained widespread among pupils, parents and school personnel. A teacher at Ikose Primary School, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that attendance had dropped drastically. She said, “All the schools, both private and public, in Ogbomoso have been empty since Monday. Pupils stopped attending school after the Esinele attacks. The matter became worse on Tuesday when some students at Areago Grammar School saw some men in the bush around them hunting squirrels. “The students, because of the Esinele incident, raised the alarm that there were terrorists on the school premises. That led to pandemonium, and everybody started running helter-skelter. One of the pupils was knocked down by a vehicle around the Owode area of Ogbomoso, and he died instantly. His mother also died from shock after hearing about the death of her son. Ogbomoso was turned upside down on Tuesday.” She added, “On Wednesday, only private schools had a few pupils, far below normal attendance. But pupils in public schools did not go at all. All the teachers in my school and other areas in Ogbomoso, Esinele, Yamota, Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and others had to return home around 12pm. “The situation became worse on Thursday; the number of teachers and pupils also dropped across the area. We didn’t see any students, while many teachers also did not show up. We left school before 11am.” The source disclosed that all teachers agreed not to go to school on Friday in in honour of a former Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, who was killed by the terrorists during the incident. Adesiyan was buried on Friday.

Makinde Promises Safe Return Of Kidnapped Oyo Teachers, Students Despite Explosive Attacks On Security Team

May 18, 2026 by admin

Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents of Oyo State that his administration would deploy every available resource to secure the safe rescue of teachers and students abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a press briefing with security chiefs, amid growing tension over the abduction of pupils, students and school staff from communities in the Oriire axis. Makinde disclosed that some members of the joint security operation involved in rescue efforts were wounded after suspected terrorists detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted around the Old Oyo National Park, where the victims were reportedly being held. According to him, the injured operatives, including personnel of the Amotekun Corps and the Nigerian Army, are currently receiving medical treatment. The governor described the situation as painful and challenging, promising that the state government would continue to intensify both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the victims’ release. “First, let me appeal to the families involved that their government is working around the clock to ensure that we tackle the challenges and support our troops and service commanders,” Makinde said. “What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. Unfortunately, we got a video this morning showing that one of the teachers, believed to be the Mathematics teacher, was seriously injured by the terrorists.” He added that there may not be immediate solutions due to the complexity of the operation, but vowed that the government would “push itself to the limits” to ensure the victims return safely. The governor also confirmed that religious leaders, community elders and other stakeholders had joined intervention efforts, including the Nigerian Baptist Convention, since one of the affected schools belongs to the denomination. “There have been interventions from leaders, elders, and religious leaders, especially the Baptist Convention because one of the affected schools is a Baptist school,” he stated. Makinde appealed to residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security agencies and avoid actions capable of frustrating ongoing rescue operations. The abduction occurred on Friday when armed men invaded schools in Yawota and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting teachers and students in one of the most disturbing attacks recorded in the area. The governor further disclosed that preliminary investigations had uncovered possible collaboration between the attackers and some residents within the affected communities. According to security reports presented during the briefing, six suspects had already been arrested over alleged involvement in logistics and information sharing for the terrorists, while three other persons of interest were also being interrogated by security agencies. “Some of them are believed to be informants or people handling logistics for the terrorists,” the governor said. Makinde stressed that sustained government presence in vulnerable communities remained critical in the fight against insecurity, warning that terrorists could return once security operations are relaxed. He also acknowledged concerns over the safety of schools in remote communities and assured residents that the government would continue reviewing and strengthening security architecture around educational institutions and other vulnerable locations. The governor confirmed that he had also engaged neighbouring states, including Kwara State, on the need to strengthen cross-border security cooperation to prevent future attacks. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies have continued coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those behind the attacks.

Tinubu confirms ISIS Commander Killed in Nigeria-US Operation

May 16, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the death of a top Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, popularly known as Abu-Mainok, following a joint military operation by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin. In a statement personally signed on Saturday, Tinubu said the operation marked “a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism” between both countries. The President said Nigerian troops, working with the US Armed Forces, carried out “a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.” He added that “early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.” Tinubu described the operation as a major step in advancing the security objectives of both countries and commended the forces involved for their conduct. “Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” the statement read. The President also praised military personnel from both countries, saying, “I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.” The development comes amid renewed military offensives against insurgent groups operating in the North-East and the Lake Chad region, where Islamic State-linked factions have sustained attacks on military formations and civilian communities. United States President Donald Trump had earlier confirmed the operation, describing Al-Minuki as “the most active terrorist in the world.” “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday. Trump said the slain militant leader, whom he described as the “second in command of ISIS globally,” had believed he could evade capture in Africa. “Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” he said. The US leader added that Al-Minuki, who was placed under American sanctions in 2023 over his ties to the Islamic State group, would “no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.” He further stated that “with his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” while thanking the Nigerian government for its “partnership” in the operation. The joint operation underscores growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States as both countries intensify efforts to weaken extremist networks operating across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider West African region.

After Three-Nation Visit, Tinubu Returns To Lagos

May 15, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu returned to Lagos on Friday following a three-nation tour of France, Kenya, and Rwanda. Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at about 7:12 p.m. at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. According to a statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president was received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and other government officials. “President Tinubu, while in France, met with global investors, emphasising transparency and fiscal discipline and explaining the rationale for the swift implementation of the bold economic reforms his administration has instituted. “He also participated in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France and President William Ruto. “At the event, President Tinubu called for a reform of global financial architecture and a stronger economic integration that prioritises Africa’s growth and prosperity. “He also highlighted Nigeria’s potential in the blue economy as one of the cornerstones of Africa’s development, with a commitment to share Nigeria’s maritime intelligence infrastructure with willing Gulf of Guinea states,” the statement read. While in Nairobi, Tinubu also held a bilateral meeting with the Madagascan President, Michael Randrianirina. In Kigali, Rwanda, the President joined other African leaders, investors and chief executive officers at the Africa CEO Forum, where discussions focused on accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through regional integration and cross-border investments. He also met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and delegations from multilateral and multinational firms, including the International Finance Corporation, APM Terminals and the Winme Group. According to the statement, the meetings recorded “notable favourable outcomes.” Tinubu also participated in panel sessions and discussions centred on his administration’s economic reform agenda. The statement further disclosed that the President would participate in the All Progressives Congress primaries scheduled to begin on Saturday while in Lagos. It added that Tinubu had earlier urged party members participating in the primaries to maintain peace and conduct themselves as “sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.”

Tinubu: Backing Dangote Refinery Was a Strategic Move

May 14, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has justified his administration’s backing of the Dangote Refinery, warning that Nigeria might have plunged into a serious crisis amid ongoing global tensions without a functioning local refinery. The remarks were made on Thursday on the sidelines of the 13th Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda. Tinubu said the country’s large population and dependence on petroleum products made it imperative to support domestic refining initiatives such as the Dangote refinery. “Today, with the crisis around the whole world. particularly around conflict, Nigeria wouldn’t be able to survive, over 200 million people, without a refinery,” he said. He added that supporting the refinery was a strategic decision aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported fuel. “A risk-taker like the Dangote Refinery must be encouraged by the government in power. What I did was support him, give him free trade for his own licence, and support him in his efforts to source the crude that is necessary. Today, he is the exporter of both the PMS, aviation fuel,” he added. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where ongoing conflicts and security threats around major oil-producing and shipping routes have continued to raise concerns over global crude supply and fuel prices. The instability has contributed to volatility in the international energy market, with several countries reviewing energy security measures and seeking to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products. The Dangote refinery, owned by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, began fuel production amid efforts by the Federal Government to end decades of dependence on imported refined products. The facility has been projected to significantly reduce pressure on foreign exchange demand and strengthen Nigeria’s energy independence.

Live Within your Means, Tinubu’s Aide Advises Nigerians

May 8, 2026 by admin

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, has advised Nigerians to align their spending with their earnings, stressing that households must “live within their means” amid growing economic hardship. Fasua made the comment while responding to questions at a members-only Coffee Hangout organised by Kay Hikers Club in Abuja. A video of the exchange, posted on the group’s official Instagram handle on Thursday, showed a heated discussion between Fasua and a female attendee who criticised the worsening cost of living, insecurity, and declining purchasing power. The woman had questioned the affordability of basic needs, arguing that food items had become out of reach for many Nigerians. “Are you aware that you can no longer buy tomato ₦500 from the market as you used to 10, 15 years ago? Are you also aware that the basic thing, as basic as food is now something you have to beg for?” she asked. She also raised concerns about safety and rising street crime, linking it to economic hardship and poor wages for low-income workers. Fasua, however, pushed back on some of the concerns, arguing that the situation in Nigeria was not as severe as portrayed and that citizens should manage resources more carefully. He insisted that Nigerians should avoid exaggerating the country’s challenges. On the cost of living, Fasua acknowledged that prices had risen but maintained that households could still manage their resources effectively. “A modest family will feed for several days with ₦10,000,” he said. He then urged Nigerians to adopt more disciplined spending habits. “You will know how to cut your goat according to your cloth. You can go to the market, I go to the market too. I have customers in Utako market, in Wuse market. I like shopping. I like going to the market. I test things. You can buy foodstuff which you cook at home,” he added. Fasua also argued that government could not meet every expectation and that citizens needed to adjust to economic realities. “I know things are expensive, more expensive than they were before. But if we want sensation, government will never win,” he said. He further dismissed dollar-based comparisons of living standards, saying local realities should be the benchmark. “We are not in the US. Everybody has to deal with his own currency. That’s what is called purchasing power parity. $10 will go so far in this country but in the US you can do very little with it.” Another attendee at the event challenged Fasua’s framing, accusing him of oversimplifying structural issues. “I feel like you are now beginning to spiritualise the issues in Nigeria when you say mindset, because it’s not actually supposed to be a mindset, it’s a reality,” the attendee said. Fasua responded that policy realities, not mindset alone, shaped outcomes, while maintaining that individuals still had room to adjust their survival strategies. He added that citizens could still improve their personal economic resilience despite broader national challenges.

Ethiopian Woman Welcomes Quintuplets,After 12 Years of Waiting

May 8, 2026 by admin

A woman in Ethiopia’s Harari Regional State has given birth to rare quintuplets after spending 12 years trying to have a child. Bedriya Adem, 35, delivered four boys and a girl at Hiwot Fana Specialised Hospital through a Caesarean section on Tuesday evening. Doctors at the hospital said both the mother and the babies are in good health. The newborns weighed between 1.3kg and 1.4kg at birth. “The babies are in full health and remain under medical care together with their mother,” the hospital’s medical director, Dr Mohammed Nur Abdulahi, told the BBC on Friday. He added that the pregnancy occurred naturally without the use of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), making the birth even more unusual. “The chance of conceiving quintuplets naturally is extremely rare,” he said. Bedriya described the birth of her five children as an answered prayer after years of emotional pain and disappointment. “I cannot express my happiness in words,” she said. “I prayed for just one child, and Allah gave me five.” The first-time mother said she endured years of social pressure and emotional suffering because she had not been able to conceive. “I spent 12 years in pain, hiding myself, and praying constantly for children — at last, Allah heard me,” she said. Bedriya revealed that doctors initially told her she was carrying four babies, but a fifth child was discovered during delivery. “When I gave birth, there was one more,” she said. She also spoke about the emotional support she received from her husband during the difficult years. “He used to tell me that having his other child was enough and that I should not worry, but deep inside I was suffering psychologically and emotionally,” she said. The quintuplets, named Naif, Ammar, Munzir, Nazira, and Ansar, are now being monitored at the hospital as the family prepares for life with five newborns. Although Bedriya said she is worried about providing for the children as a subsistence farmer, she remains hopeful. “I believe Allah will provide, through the support of my community and the government,” she said.

BREAKING: Makinde Reveals Preferred Successor

May 6, 2026 by admin

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has identified Mr. Abimbola Adekambi, a former Commissioner for Finance during the administration of late ex-governor Abiola Ajimobi, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election. The disclosure was confirmed on Wednesday night by the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Michael Ogunshina, during an exclusive telephone conversation. The development is already generating fresh debate within political circles, cutting across both the ruling PDP and opposition parties in the state. It was gathered that the decision emerged from a series of high-level consultations involving key stakeholders and power brokers within Oyo’s political landscape. Although Governor Makinde has yet to make a formal public declaration, Ogunshina affirmed that the decision has effectively been communicated within party ranks. “Yes, it is confirmed, the governor has announced him,” Ogunshina said. Adekambi, a technocrat with a strong background in finance and public administration, previously served under the administration of the late former governor Ajimobi and is widely regarded as experienced in fiscal management. His emergence as Makinde’s preferred successor signals a strategic political move that could reshape alignments ahead of the 2027 polls. Political observers note that the announcement may trigger internal recalibration within the PDP, as well as influence the calculations of opposition parties preparing for the next electoral cycle. While supporters of the move see it as a continuity strategy anchored on competence and governance experience, critics argue it could spark internal contestation within the ruling party over the selection process. As the political atmosphere gradually builds toward 2027, Makinde’s endorsement of Adekambi is expected to remain a focal point in Oyo State’s evolving succession dynamics.

Blame me if Power Grid Failures Persist – Minister

May 6, 2026 by admin

The new Minister of Power, Olasunkanmi Tegbe, on Wednesday, assured Nigerians that the era of repeated national grid collapses, erratic electricity supply, and persistent vandalism of power infrastructure would soon be brought under control, pledging urgent reforms to stabilise the country’s troubled power sector. Tegbe gave the assurance during his screening during the Senate plenary in Abuja, where he was later confirmed as Minister of Power following questioning from lawmakers over the state of the electricity sector. The confirmation followed a rigorous screening session presided over by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during which lawmakers pressed the nominee for firm timelines, transparency and a clear reform roadmap to stabilise electricity supply and restore investor confidence. The Senate also handed him what lawmakers described as a mandate to deliver rapid and measurable improvements in a sector long crippled by grid collapses, weak transmission infrastructure and a deepening liquidity crisis estimated in trillions of naira. In a rare show of bipartisan concern, senators warned that Nigerians had grown tired of promises, insisting that Tegbe must demonstrate visible results within months or risk losing public trust. Leading the charge, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) described the appointment as timely but stressed that the scale of the sector’s dysfunction required decisive and urgent intervention. He decried the recurring collapse of the national grid, calling it a major setback to Nigeria’s industrial ambitions, and blamed transmission bottlenecks for the inability to evacuate generated power effectively. “Grid collapse has become a recurring decimal, undermining development. Transmission has failed to match generation capacity,” he said, adding that insecurity in parts of the North-east had worsened infrastructure damage. Responding, Tegbe acknowledged that the challenges facing the sector were systemic rather than isolated, citing weak coordination, poor enforcement of technical standards and inadequate gas supply as major causes of instability. “Grid collapse is not accidental; it reflects deeper structural problems,” he said. He pledged a 100-day reform window aimed at stabilising the grid and introducing a public performance dashboard to allow Nigerians to track progress and hold the ministry accountable. “If there are no results in three months, there will be none in six. Nigerians should hold us accountable,” he declared. Tegbe also raised concerns about entrenched interests benefiting from inefficiencies in the sector, vowing to confront sabotage head-on. “There are elements that do not want the system to work because they benefit from its failure. We will take them on,” he said. On vandalism of power infrastructure, the minister-designate described the trend as a national security threat and pledged closer collaboration with security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the military, to protect critical assets. He also acknowledged the sector’s worsening liquidity crisis, put at about N6 trillion, which lawmakers said had stifled investment and weakened the entire electricity value chain. In response, Tegbe admitted that the current financial model was unsustainable and promised reforms, including market-reflective tariffs, while balancing affordability for vulnerable Nigerians. “Electricity pricing must reflect market realities, but affordability remains essential. We will ensure a fair balance,” he said. Lawmakers, including Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), demanded clear timelines for achieving a stable electricity supply, stressing that reliable power remained critical to economic growth and job creation. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) criticised the fragmentation of the power sector into generation, transmission and distribution companies, arguing that the lack of synergy had worsened inefficiency. Tegbe assured the Senate that his reform plan would prioritise stronger coordination across the electricity value chain, improved gas supply to generation companies, and accelerated nationwide metering to reduce estimated billing and improve revenue collection. On rural electrification, he said the government would expand mini-grid and renewable energy solutions, particularly solar, to reach underserved communities. “Decentralised energy will be key to reaching underserved communities and ensuring inclusive access,” he said. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin underscored the urgency of reform, describing the power sector as Nigeria’s biggest obstacle to economic competitiveness. “Our industries cannot thrive without reliable electricity. What we need now are results, not assurances,” he said. Despite the tough scrutiny, lawmakers expressed cautious confidence in Tegbe’s capacity, citing his professional background and the clarity of his reform proposals. In his closing remarks, the new minister reiterated his commitment to measurable progress, acknowledging the enormity of the task but insisting that disciplined implementation would deliver results. “This is a difficult assignment, but progress is achievable with transparency, discipline and collaboration. Nigerians will see change,” he said. The Senate’s unanimous confirmation now sets the stage for what lawmakers described as a critical test of the administration’s resolve to finally break the cycle of grid collapses and stabilise Nigeria’s electricity supply.

Xenophobia: Adams Oshiomhole Calls for Revocation of MTN, DStv Licences

May 5, 2026 by admin

The senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the government to revoke the operating licences of South African firms in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, in response to fresh xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa. The call comes as the House of Representatives on Tuesday condemned the latest wave of attacks, urging the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures. Speaking during plenary, the lawmaker said Nigeria must respond firmly to protect its citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity in international relations. “I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears, to sympathise with those who have died. We didn’t come here to share tears,” he said. Michael Jackson Biopic Shatters Box Office Records With Nephew Jaafar Jackson in the Lead0:00 / 0:00 “If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.” Oshiomhole proposed that Nigeria should nationalise MTN and withdraw its operating licence, arguing that the company remits significant revenue out of the country while Nigerians face hostility abroad. “This Senate should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day. That Nigeria nationalise it and withdraw its licence,” he said. According to him, such a move would create opportunities for local firms and serve as a strong response to what he described as economic and social targeting of Nigerians in South Africa. The senator also called for the revocation of DSTV’s licence, alleging unfair practices and economic exploitation, and urged Nigerians to take over roles currently occupied by foreign companies. “I call on the Federal Government to revoke DSTV, which is also a South African company that is cutting away millions of dollars,” he said. Oshiomhole linked the current tensions to broader political dynamics in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiments had featured in the country’s domestic politics and were influencing attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians and maintained that such steps would strengthen Nigeria’s bargaining position. The lawmaker further argued that Nigerians living in South Africa were economically productive and not dependent on the host country. “These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn. “When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said. Another lawmaker, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, also raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, describing the situation as alarming. “It is worrisome… they are hiding for their lives, they can’t move freely. This is a situation where people are paying good with evil,” he said, referencing Nigeria’s historical support for the anti-apartheid struggle. Umeh called on the African Union to intervene and impose sanctions, warning that Nigeria could not continue to tolerate attacks on its citizens. “The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should raise now and impose necessary sanctions,” he said, adding that “we cannot allow this to continue,” he said. The development reflects growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt a stronger stance amid recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, with lawmakers pushing for both diplomatic engagement and economic countermeasures to safeguard Nigerians abroad.