Oyo Archives - Citybuzz News

AIG Bassey Ewah Assumes Office as New Zone 11 Police Commander

September 15, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Bassey S. Ewah, has assumed duty as the new AIG in charge of Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, covering Osun and Oyo States. AIG Ewah officially took over on September 14, 2026, following his posting to the zone. Ewah Brings Extensive Police Experience Born on July 28, 1968, and an indigene of Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, Ewah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1992. He has served in several strategic and operational positions across the force, including as Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command; Deputy Commandant, Police Academy, Wudil; Deputy Commissioner of Police at Force Headquarters and Lagos State Command; Area Commander in Port Harcourt; and AIG, Zone 15, Maiduguri. He has also served in various command, intelligence, training and operational roles in Enugu, Lagos, Taraba, Rivers and other states. The new AIG has attended several professional, leadership and command courses in Nigeria and abroad, including the Strategic Leadership Course at the Police Staff College and courses organised by the United Nations and African Union. Zone 11 Assures Residents of Effective Policing The Police said Ewah brings extensive operational experience, leadership exposure and strategic command skills to Zone 11. The command assured residents of Osun and Oyo States of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining law and order, and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to promote a safer society. The statement was signed by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, ANIPR, FSPSP.

Oyo Declares August 20 Public Holiday For Isese Day Celebration•••Makinde Calls For Prayers For Peace, Unity, Stability

August 19, 2026 by admin

The Oyo State Government has announced Thursday, August 20, 2026, as a work-free day across the state to commemorate this year’s Isese Day celebration. The declaration was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, on Wednesday. According to the statement, Governor Seyi Makinde graciously approved the work-free day to enable residents to commemorate the traditional festival. The government urged residents to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity and stability in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. The statement quoted the governor as requesting that the celebration be used as an opportunity to pray for the continued peace and progress of the state, as well as the country.

Oyo Schools will stay Shut until Security Improves, says NUT

June 23, 2026 by admin

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

Breaking: Governor Makinde Signs Executive Order Banning Night-Time Okada Operations in Oyo

June 5, 2026 by admin

‎Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 aimed at enhancing security, ensuring compliance with vehicle registration laws, and improving traffic management across the state. ‎ ‎The order, signed on Friday, also imposes restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okadariders, amid growing security concerns following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area more than 20 days ago. ‎ ‎Speaking during the signing ceremony, Makinde said unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles had increasingly been used to perpetrate crimes, making it difficult for security agencies to track offenders. ‎ ‎He explained that the executive order provides a legal framework for the strict enforcement of vehicle registration and traffic laws, while empowering relevant authorities to arrest offenders, impound vehicles and prosecute violators in accordance with the law. ‎ ‎The governor said commercial motorcycle operators would no longer be permitted to operate between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. across the state, describing the measure as part of broader efforts to curb criminal activities and enhance public safety. ‎ ‎He urged citizens to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615, and commended security agencies and the Amotekun Corps for their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Oyo State. ‎

I will Name Politicians Behind Oyo Students’ Abduction if… — Sunday Igboho

June 4, 2026 by admin

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to expose politicians he claims are responsible for the abduction of students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The activist said this while speaking to the new executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Students led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan on Wednesday. In the now-trending video captured by Wisdom TV, Igboho asserted that he had personally volunteered to dislodge the bandits but was met with defiance by the state government. He also claimed that he had never demanded any money from the Seyi Makinde-led administration to rescue the 47 abductees. “If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are neither gnomes nor mannequins; they are humans, so that they could be dislodged. I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. I know them. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money. “The same thing they did to Jonathan is what they are doing to Tinubu. They want to make the country ungovernable for him. They even have fake news propaganda to scare the masses and divert supporters away from the President. Suppose the recent abduction is not a game. In Oyo, they made away with children. I volunteered to go, but the state government said ‘No.’” “Later, they (Oyo government) informed me that the kidnappers said if I try to force myself to come rescue the children, they will kill them all. If they are serious about rescuing the victims, they should tell my boys and me to chase them out of the forests in our regions and see if those people will remain there even with their bombs and sophisticated weapons,” he said. The Oyo-based activist further maintained that after he got approval from the Federal Government for his security network christened “Iru Ekun”, the Oyo State Government warned him from operating and that any attempt by him to rescue the children might lead to their death. “After I arranged ‘Iru Ekun’ security network, the Federal Government permitted me, but the state government said no security must take a step behind them. Do we have to wait for him to flood the forests to rescue these children? I’m just concerned about these abductees; nobody can kidnap me, not even my family, because they are spread across Canada and Germany. Why should I fret? “Despite how bad Buhari’s administration is, he completed his tenure. Why are they trying to stop a Yoruba man — Tinubu — from completing his? It was Tinubu who freed me when I was in exile. Why should I tackle him? And why are they trying to ruin his government? Igboho queried. Recall that on May 15, no fewer than 45 pupils were reportedly abducted during the Friday attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The schools attacked were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School. Sunday PUNCH gathered that tension is rising in the state following the incident. Security agencies are also said to have surrounded the possible escape routes of the assailants after they fled into a nearby forest reserve bordering Oriire communities and the Old Oyo National Park axis. A teacher at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Elizabeth Olagoke, told one of our correspondents that the kidnappers spoke Yoruba, Hausa, and Pidgin English. After a few days, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was gruesomely killed. Oyedokun was beheaded in a new video allegedly released by bandits on Sunday. The video obtained by our correspondent on Telegram on Monday showed that the teacher was gruesomely killed after being tied and forced to speak. This development led Igboho to seek approval to launch his security outfit, “Iru Ekun Security Network,” as part of efforts to dislodge criminal elements from the South-West forests. He also expressed his readiness to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, to regulate the activities of private security firms in the state.

Tragedy in Oyo as Two Die in River Plunge

May 30, 2026 by admin

The Oyo State Fire Service has recovered the bodies of two passengers following an accident in which a vehicle plunged into the Ariyo River at Amuloko in Ona Ara Local Government Area on Friday night. The incident involved a Toyota Avensis with an unknown registration number, which reportedly lost control and veered off the road into the river. In a statement on Saturday, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed that the victims had been recovered and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force. “A distress call was received at exactly 21:40hrs on Friday, May 29, 2026,regarding a road traffic accident involving a Toyota Avensis with an unknown registration number that lost control while in motion and plunged into a nearby river,” the statement said. He added that fire officers were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving the alert through a phone call. “Immediately the information was received, fire officers led by ACFS Amoo promptly mobilized to the scene. On arrival, it was confirmed that the vehicle had swerved off the road and submerged in the river,” Akinwande said. He said the rescue team carried out recovery operations and successfully retrieved two casualties from the submerged vehicle. “The rescue team immediately commenced the operations by applying all necessary rescue operational procedures and successfully recovered two casualties from the vehicle,” he said. The victims were later handed over to police officers led by ASP Adesuwa Sesan of the Ogbere Target Police Station in Ibadan for further investigation. Akinwande said the fire service had responded promptly to the emergency and completed the recovery operation in line with standard procedures.

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

Oyo SAPZ, AfDB Hold Mid-Term Review Meeting On Project Progress

May 22, 2026 by admin

A delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the National Coordination Office, led by Mr. Bernard Onzima and Engr. Bashir Gaya, has commended the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and the Oyo Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project Implementation Unit for the progress recorded in the ongoing SAPZ project in the state. The commendation came during a two-day mid-term review visit to Oyo State, where the delegation inspected key project sites, including the Ijaye Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH). The AfDB team, which commenced the review exercise on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being executed by Craneburg Construction Company, particularly regarding the utilisation of mobilisation funds disbursed directly by the Bank. According to the delegation, all four components of the SAPZ programme in Oyo State are progressing. The AfDB officials urged stakeholders to sustain the current momentum through stronger collaboration, teamwork and continuous support for consultants handling various aspects of the project to ensure timely delivery. The delegation was received by the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr. Kola Badmus. Also present was the State SAPZ Coordinator, Mr. Akinwunmi Ajetunmobi, alongside other implementation unit staff involved in the project. The SAPZ programme is structured around four major components aimed at driving sustainable agro-industrial development. The first component focuses on infrastructure development and agro-industrial hub management including the construction of agro-industrial hubs, agricultural transformation centres, roads, power and water facilities, and waste management systems to create investment-ready environments for agribusinesses. The second component centres on agricultural productivity and value chain development through support for farmers and small-scale enterprises. This includes input supply, mechanisation services, extension support, climate-smart agriculture training, cooperative strengthening and market linkages for priority commodities such as cassava, maize and poultry in Oyo State. The third component addresses institutional strengthening and capacity building through training programmes for youths and women in agribusiness and agro-processing, as well as support for state agencies, farmer organisations and investment promotion initiatives. The fourth component focuses on programme coordination, management and monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability, environmental and social safeguards compliance, effective reporting and stakeholder engagement. The first phase of the SAPZ programme is currently being implemented in seven states – Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun and Oyo – as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative is designed to promote inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development by increasing agricultural productivity, encouraging value addition, expanding market access and attracting private sector investment across selected agricultural value chains. AfDB has continued to play a strategic role in transforming agriculture across Africa into a globally competitive sector and a major driver of sustainable economic growth. The SAPZ programme is also expected to strengthen synergy with ongoing and completed AfDB-funded projects in sectors such as power, transportation, water resources and agriculture, while promoting export growth, import substitution and commercial agriculture through large-scale food processing initiatives.

Outrage Grows Over Oyo School Attack As Stakeholders Call For Victims’ Rescue

May 18, 2026 by admin

Condemnations have continued to trail the recent attack and kidnapping in three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with many describing the incident as barbaric, disturbing, and a threat to education and public safety. Among those who reacted to the attack were the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Yunus Akintunde; an All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Ololade Bakare; and the Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Oladotun Hassan. The attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso in Oriire LG led to the killing of no fewer than two persons, the abduction of seven teachers, and the abduction of more than 30 students. Viral videos showed some of those abducted asking the government to intensify efforts to secure their release, and the gruesome killing of one of the abducted teachers. Governor Seyi Makinde, during a broadcast on the incident, said security agencies had already arrested six suspects and three other persons of interest. Reacting on Monday, Akintunde, in a statement made available to journalists, described the attack on schools and innocent children as painful and unacceptable. Akintunde said, “My heart goes out to the affected pupils, teachers, parents, and the entire communities. An attack on innocent children and places of learning is painful and unacceptable.” He commended security agencies and the Oyo State Government for their swift response to the incident, while urging them to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted victims safely. The senator also called for the immediate prosecution of those responsible for the attack, stressing that insecurity must not disrupt learning or create fear among residents. On her part, Bakare condemned the abduction of the students and teachers, describing the incident as a “heinous and cowardly attack.” He said, “The targeting of our schools is a disgrace and a betrayal of our collective responsibility to safeguard the future of our children. “Oyo State, with its proud history as a centre of learning and civilisation, must not be reduced to a place where students are hunted, and educators are terrorised.” The APC chieftain blamed the worsening insecurity on what he termed the failure of leadership, insisting that urgent and decisive action must be taken to restore public confidence. Bakare urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims, warning that “anything less than urgent action is unacceptable.” Also reacting, Hassan described the killings as barbaric, wicked, and unacceptable, noting that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and moral development. He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all victims still in captivity and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted. Hassan also advocated for stronger collaboration among security agencies, local vigilantes, hunters, OPC, and Agbekoya groups to improve surveillance of vulnerable communities and schools. The monarch further appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Osun State Government to convene the second edition of the Yoruba Obas Conference to address rising insecurity, kidnappings, and violent attacks across Yorubaland. He urged Nigerians to support security operations through vigilance and intelligence sharing, stressing that insecurity could only be defeated through collective commitment and unity.

Panic In Oyo As Gunmen Kill Teacher, Abduct Pupils And School Staff

May 15, 2026 by admin

The Oyo State Police Command says it has begun a massive manhunt and rescue mission after armed hoodlums carried out coordinated attacks on schools and nearby communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the attack occurred in the early hours of May 15, 2026, and led to the death of an assistant headmaster. The police said preliminary investigation showed that the attackers, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School/L. A Primary School, Esiele, abducting pupils, students and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe. Ayanlade said no pupil or student had been confirmed killed as at the time of filing this report, adding that an assistant headmaster, identified as Mr Adesiyan, was killed during the attack. He also disclosed that an okada rider was shot dead after reportedly resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle. The police said, “The command further gathered that Community Grammar School, Esiele, operates within the same premises as L. A Primary School, Esiele. The attackers, after abducting some victims, also took away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal and later set the vehicle ablaze along the road leading to the forest. “Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately led operatives alongside other service commanders to the scene for on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination, while simultaneously directing a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators. “Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act.” The police urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and provide credible information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.