BREAKING: Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons Kidnapped in Ibadan, Family Calls for Calm

  The family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and a leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons by suspected gunmen in Ibadan. ‎In a statement issued on Wednesday by Adelabu’s Media Aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the family disclosed that the victims were kidnapped in the early hours of June 3, 2026, while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school. ‎According to the statement, the 43-year-old was reportedly intercepted by armed men at about 7:30 a.m. and forcefully taken away along with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul. ‎The family described the incident as painful and distressing, noting that Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. ‎‎Before her voluntary retirement last year, she had built a distinguished career, serving at the Central Bank of Nigeria and later at First Bank Pension Custodian. Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making arrangements to reunite with her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States. ‎The statement revealed that security agencies were immediately alerted after the incident and have since commenced investigations aimed at securing the victims’ safe release and bringing the perpetrators to justice. ‎”We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest. Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime,” the statement said. ‎While expressing confidence in the capabilities of the security agencies, the family said Chief Adelabu and other relatives remain deeply troubled by the development but are hopeful that the victims will be rescued unharmed. ‎The family appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue efforts. ‎It also called on anyone with useful information regarding the whereabouts of the victims or the circumstances surrounding the abduction to promptly provide such information to the appropriate security authorities. ‎The family assured that it would continue to cooperate fully with security agencies and provide updates as developments unfold, while also soliciting prayers and support from Nigerians during the difficult period.

Oriire School Attack: Protest Erupts in Ibadan as NUT Begins Indefinite Strike

  Tension heightened in Oyo State on Monday as members of the Take-It-Back Movement took to the streets of Ibadan to protest the deteriorating security situation and the prolonged captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area. The protest came barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, directed public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to embark on an indefinite strike over the abduction of their colleagues and pupils. The demonstrators converged on Mokola Roundabout, one of the busiest junctions in Ibadan, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs while demanding urgent action from government and security agencies to secure the release of the victims and curb rising cases of kidnapping in the state. Some of the placards displayed during the protest bore inscriptions such as, “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice.” Speaking during the demonstration, one of the protesters said residents were becoming increasingly frustrated by the persistent insecurity across the country. “Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” the protester declared. The protest followed growing public outrage over the abduction of pupils, students and teachers during attacks on schools and surrounding communities in Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire Local Government Area. The victims were reportedly kidnapped after armed men invaded the schools and nearby communities, triggering widespread fear among residents, parents and education stakeholders. Family members of the abductees have repeatedly appealed to the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of their loved ones. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, in a statement issued on Sunday by its Oyo State Chairman, Hassan A. Fatai, and Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode, directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice. The union said the directive became necessary due to the continued captivity of the abducted teachers and pupils, as well as growing fears over the safety of teachers and learners across the state. According to the statement, the prolonged detention of the victims has created anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school and heightened tension in affected communities. The NUT stated that the industrial action was intended to draw urgent attention to the need for government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abductees without delay. “The union urges all teachers to comply fully with this directive, remain law-abiding and stay safe in their respective homes throughout the period of the strike,” the statement read in part. The union also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils and their families, assuring members that engagements with relevant authorities would continue until the victims regain their freedom.

BREAKING: Truck Loses Control in Ibadan, Multiple Casualties Feared

  A truck has reportedly lost control along the Beere–Oja Oba axis in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday ploughing into bystanders and several vehicles. There are growing fears of multiple casualties. Residents at the scene are frantically calling for emergency responders, as videos and eyewitness accounts suggest significant chaos in the area. Details are still unfolding. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement.

Police Confirm Abduction Of 12-Year-Old Secondary School Student In Ibadan

  IBADAN – THE Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a 12-year-old female secondary school student in the Challenge area of Ibadan, describing the incident as a suspected kidnapping and assuring the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim. The student, a Junior Secondary School 2 pupil of Monarch Model College, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Thursday, February 12, 2026, while being dropped off for school. Eyewitnesses said the kidnappers, who were masked and arrived in a vehicle without number plates, allegedly trailed the girl’s mother before striking at a junction leading to the school premises. The gunmen were said to be armed and fired shots into the air to scare residents, while also puncturing the tyre of the mother’s vehicle — a Toyota RAV4 with Lagos registration number KRD 350 GP. The student was reportedly dragged away despite attempting to resist, as the abductors escaped through the Challenge axis. The incident was promptly reported at the Orita Challenge Police Station, where officers visited the scene alongside the victim’s mother for preliminary assessment. Confirming the incident in an official police response, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olusola Olayinka Ayanlade, “An incident of suspected kidnapping was reported in the Challenge area of Ibadan in the early hours of today, Wednesday, 12th February 2026.” According to the Command, “Preliminary information indicates that at about 7:20 a.m., a 12-year-old female student of a private secondary school in the area was allegedly abducted by unknown armed men at a junction leading to the school premises as she was alighting from a vehicle that conveyed her to school.” The Police said detectives were immediately mobilised to the scene. “The incident was promptly reported to the Police, and detectives were immediately deployed to the scene for preliminary assessment and fact-finding. Eyewitnesses at the scene were identified and questioned, and their accounts are providing valuable leads to assist ongoing investigations,”the statement read. The Command further disclosed that the parents of the victim are working closely with the Police. “The parents of the victim have been contacted and are in close contact with the Police as efforts continue to ensure the safe rescue of the child,” it added. Reassuring the public, the Police said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident. “The Commissioner of Police has directed a comprehensive and intelligence-driven investigation, assuring that all possibilities and options are being explored to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice,” the statement said. The Command appealed for calm and cooperation from residents. “Members of the public are urged to remain calm and to support the Police with any useful information, assuring that such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” it stated, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.  

Fire Guts 10 Shops in Ibadan

  No fewer than 10 shops were completely destroyed by fire at the Iya Maryam Adebara Complex in the Ogunpa Market area of Ibadan on Monday night. The Chairman, Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr Moroof Akinwande, disclosed this in a statement made available on Tuesday in Ibadan. Akinwande said the agency’s personnel received a distress call about the fire incident via a telephone call from Baale Ogunpa, Alhaji Nurudeen Lawal, at exactly 8:11 pm on Monday. He said that firemen were promptly deployed to the scene and, upon arrival, found 10 shops out of several already engulfed in flames. “Our officers swiftly got into action and prevented the fire from spreading to other shops and nearby properties while the Federal Fire Service also joined hands with us to extinguish the fire,” he said. The chairman attributed the fire to a generator being fueled by one of the shop’s occupants. He also said no casualties were recorded and commended the police personnel from Iyaganku Police Headquarters for providing security.  

Karim Adeyemi Foundation Hosts Ecologue 1.0 To Foster Youth-Driven Ecosystems In Ibadan

Karim Adeyemi Foundation Hosts Ecologue 1.0 To Foster Youth-Driven Ecosystems In Ibadan

  IBADAN – Karim Adeyemi Foundation (KAF) In it’s drive to empower youth across the country successfully hosted the first edition of ECOLOGUE 1.0, a youth-centered conversation aimed at building strong ecosystems and communities where young people from diverse sectors can thrive. The event, held at the foundation’s Building in Ibadan, was part of the foundation’s annual activities to mark International Youth Day (IYD). It brought together young innovators, creatives, startup founders, NGO leaders, and community builders to explore how cross-sector collaboration can accelerate sustainable development. Co-host Ayo Adams opened the event with inspiring remarks, followed by an interactive session led by moderator Oyinkansola Oluwade. The program which featured impactful sessions from industry experts, including: Islamiat Adekola, Visitmas, Ayileka Samuel, and Adeoya Adegboyega, delved into key messages on the power of storytelling in marketing, the importance of giving before receiving in business, and the value of building collaborative communities even in competitive spaces. A Broadcaster, Islamiyah Adekola, who spoke on “Owning Your Voice: Creativity for Social Impact”, called for distinctives and uniqueness to make a difference. “You don’t have to be a painter or a writer to be creative. Doing things differently, like Tunde Onakoya’s chess activism or a lawyer using unconventional advocacy is creativity. Tenacity and uniqueness make all the difference”, she said. She also admonished participants to embrace authenticity, enunciating that their voice is their brand. “focus on the value you bring and how it can create social impact. Creativity is about solving problems in ways that reflect who you truly are.”, she added. Notable attendees such as Ibrahim Oredola added to the depth and vibrancy of the conversations, as he juxtapositioned the impact of consistency and enjoying what you do, with just doing it once and giving up, citing examples like Arojinle, who even though did not make a dime from telling the stories of animals for the the first few years of content creation, has today become a household name in that niche. To close the event the President of Karim Adeyemi Foundation, Mr Abiodun Adeyemi reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to creating sustainable, youth-driven communities in Ibadan and beyond. In his words “ECOLOGUE 1.0 is just the beginning. We want to continue creating spaces where young people can connect, collaborate, and drive real change. The event was characterized by high energy, meaningful networking, and actionable takeaways, leaving participants inspired to take the conversations forward into their communities and sectors. For more information about Karim Adeyemi Foundation and its programs, follow: Instagram: @karimadeyemifdn; Facebook: Karim Adeyemi Foundation: Website: www.karimadeyemifoundation.org Fire

(PHOTOS)AI Revolution Takes Centre Stage As Medical Experts Convene In Ibadan For NAPGHAN 2025 Scientific Conference

(PHOTOS)AI Revolution Takes Centre Stage As Medical Experts Convene In Ibadan For NAPGHAN 2025 Scientific Conference

  The 11th Annual General and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NAPGHAN) kicked off in Ibadan, Oyo State, drawing experts from across Nigeria and beyond to explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on child health. The keynote speaker, Professor James Renner, Professor of Paediatrics at Babcock University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, delivered a powerful and inspiring message that set the tone for the conference. Speaking on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in child health, he said, “When we speak of a revolution in medicine, we don’t mean smoke-filled streets or manifestos. This is a revolution made not by crowds, but by code. Quiet, yet powerful. Not loud, but lasting. Not chaotic, but creative. And it is only just beginning.” Professor Renner outlined the evolving role of AI in paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition, stressing that AI is not just a tool but a fundamental shift in how healthcare is approached, delivered, and experienced. He detailed how AI is already improving diagnostic accuracy, personalising nutrition through genomics and microbiome analysis, and enhancing remote monitoring through mobile applications for feeding practices and symptom tracking. He stated emphatically: “AI is with us. We cannot shy away from it. But we must use it sensibly, with ethical responsibility and scientific clarity. AI must not mislead us; rather, it must guide us to be better, faster, more precise—without losing our human compassion.” He added that every child deserves access to the benefits of AI, calling on the government and healthcare institutions to embrace the technology in full support of the Nigerian child. “In the last eight months alone, over ten countries have adopted AI-driven systems in paediatric care. We must not be left behind,” he warned. The conference, hosted for the first time in the South-West Zone, was declared open with a warm welcome from the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Joyce Akinseinde, who described it as a landmark event and a personal honour. She welcomed dignitaries including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi (represented); Chief Host and CMD of UCH, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo (represented by Professor Olubukola Adesina); and the host, Prof. Biobele Brown, among other academic and clinical leaders. She called on participants to actively engage with the theme and use the sessions to spark new insights and collaborations. In his presidential address, Professor Felix Olukayode Akinbami, President of NAPGHAN, echoed the urgency of embracing AI, describing it as a “transformative force” with the potential to redefine medical practice. “Artificial Intelligence can enhance diagnostics, personalise treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes. But we must also ask, can it replace the nuances of human judgement, empathy, and experience?” he queried, urging delegates to critically explore these questions during the conference. Prof. Akinbami also announced plans to propose the creation of a national registry for congenital alimentary tract malformations in children, citing the need for real-time data to inform policy and care. He expressed appreciation to Prof. Otegbayo for hosting the conference free of charge and for approving the acquisition of a paediatric endoscope for the newly accredited unit in the Department of Paediatrics at UCH—a major win for child health services in Nigeria. Representing Prof. Otegbayo, Prof. Olubukola Adesina, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, noted that UCH remains committed to promoting innovation and advancing research in paediatric healthcare. “AI must be an enabler, not a barrier,” he cautioned, emphasising the need for data security, ethical compliance, and capacity building among healthcare workers. Co-chairperson of the LOC, Dr. Virginia Guvoeke, underscored the relevance of the theme, describing the event as an opportunity to reaffirm the association’s commitment to gastrointestinal health for Nigerian children. “AI has come to stay. It is changing how we manage our patients, and we are optimistic that with government support, we can do more,” she said in an interview. Also speaking at the event, Professor Iyabo Runsewe-Abiodun, logistics chairperson and advisor, encouraged participants to fully engage with the presentations and translate the knowledge gained into practical clinical impact. “The world is tending towards AI, and so is medicine. We must not be left behind,” she stressed. Among other distinguished attendees were Dr. Akinfemi Akinyode, Permanent Secretary, Oke Ogun Health Zone 1 (representing the Oyo State Health Commissioner); Dr. Tomi Coker, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, represented by Dr. Ogunsilu Esther, Director of Primary Health Care System Development, Ogun State; and Dr. Wole Oyeyemi, Director of Administration, UCH. The scientific sessions and workshops of the conference will focus on topics such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, diagnostic challenges in resource-limited settings, and nutrition therapy. The conference promises not only intellectual enrichment but opportunities for professional networking, collaborations, and long-lasting partnerships in paediatric gastroenterology across Nigeria and beyond. With Professor James Renner’s passionate call to action and the collective commitment of healthcare leaders, NAPGHAN 2025 has set a new pace in aligning child health with global technological advancement. “This is not just a conference,” Prof. Renner concluded. “It’s a beginning. Let us make sure every Nigerian child benefits from this AI revolution.”

Ibadan-Based PR Expert,Olamide Adeniji To Mark Birthday With Prison Inmates 

  IBADAN – In a moving demonstration of compassion and commitment to social responsibility, Ibadan-based Public Relations expert Olamide Adeniji chose to celebrate his June 24, 2025 birthday among inmates of the Agodi Correctional Center. Born in 1985, in Ibadan, South West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Olamide Adeniji is known for his annual tradition of sharing his birthday with the underprivileged, underscoring his belief in the inherent potential and dignity of all individuals. This year’s celebration, according to Olamide, an Information and Public Releations officer, will involve feeding about 200 inmates, donation of clothes, packs of soft drinks, and a variety of toiletries, all worth hundreds of thousands. “These donations are part of a sustained effort to improve living conditions within the facility,” Olamide said. According to Mr. Adeniji, his annual birthday celebration has attracted public interest not just for its charitable spirit, but also as a testament to the collective power of community support in fostering hope, reform, and positive transformation for those seeking a second chance at life. Olamide Adeniji, a senior officer in the Oyo state civil service, is a public speaker, a news editor, a social media influencer, and an event compere. He currently works as the media officer to the Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran and some other top government functionaries.

Ogburo Boundary Dispute: Ibadan Traditional Stakeholders Commend Oyo Deputy Governor Intervention

  Ibadan Obas, Mogajis, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Baales, Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiatives (ICPI) and other stakeholders have commended Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, for his maturity and patriotic approach in handling the boundary dispute between Iwo and Ibadan in Ogburo community. Recall that the dispute, which has been ongoing, recently escalated, prompting the Oyo and Osun state governments to jointly call for peace and urge the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to finalize the demarcation process. A statement jointly signed by President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade praised Lawal’s leadership during a high-level meeting in zone 11, Osogbo, where he addressed stakeholders from both states. They appreciated his emphasis on peace and unity, noting that his approach reflects a deep understanding of the historical and cultural ties between the people of Oyo and Osun states. Lawal had urged all parties to avoid inflammatory statements and rumors that could incite violence or breed mistrust. According to the duo, Oyo State Deputy Governor’s efforts to promote peace and cooperation between the two states have been widely praised. Lawal approach has been seen as a positive step towards resolving the dispute and strengthening the relationship between Oyo and Osun states. The statement affirmed that all major federal activities like 2006 and or other Censors activities after the creation of Osun state indicate that Ogburo, Papa community were all counted as part of Oyo state “Also, Ogburo is always ward 11 unit 3 of Lagelu local government of Oyo state in federak elections held after the 1991 Osun state creation.”