Abducted schoolchildren and teachers rescued in Ogbomoso, Oyo State
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Over 40 abducted schoolchildren and their teachers have been rescued in the Ogbomoso zone of Oyo State, leading to widespread jubilation. Residents, passersby, and travelers celebrated the release, with many expressing relief and excitement. One resident, Akinkunmi Oyelade, initially doubted the news but was convinced by the public celebration. Another Ogbomoso indigene, Kemi Adeniyi, expressed delight but also questioned the fate of the abductors, demanding accountability and opposing any potential amnesty. The abduction, which involved over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers, occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, during a coordinated attack on Community Grammar School, LA Primary School, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School in the Oriire Local Government Area. Youths across the city celebrated the release, and a government worker whose friend's child was among the abductees expressed plans for celebration and a church testimony.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Nigerian Academy of Science has called on journalists to increase public awareness of climate change, emphasizing the media's role in protecting public health and promoting climate resilience. During a media roundtable in Lagos, scientists and media experts advocated for greater collaboration in communicating climate change realities to Nigerians. Professor Babajide Alo, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics and Research of the University of Lagos, highlighted the media's reach in educating citizens on climate change causes, consequences, and solutions. He noted that climate change is a pressing challenge, with desertification affecting the North and rising sea levels impacting the South. Alo also linked environmental degradation to insecurity, citing the shrinking of Lake Chad as a factor in the Boko Haram insurgency. He urged journalists to use community language for public sensitization and stressed the importance of involving young people, older citizens, and local communities in adaptation and mitigation efforts. Veteran journalist Wale Fatade described climate change as a public health crisis, not just an environmental issue, and challenged journalists to report on its impact on disease, food security, nutrition, mental health, and healthcare access. Professor Chinedum Babalola, Public Affairs Secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Science, stated that the roundtable aimed to make scientific knowledge accessible and relevant, ensuring science informs policymaking, b
Must ReadThe Imo State Secondary School for the Deaf in Ofekata Orodo, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, once a symbol of hope, has deteriorated into a state of severe neglect and ruin. The school, established in 1984, now lacks basic amenities, security, and adequate staffing, impacting nearly 150 students with hearing impairments. The premises show signs of extensive vandalism, including missing doors from classrooms and hostels, which a caregiver reported has led to sexual assaults on female students by hoodlums. There is no running water, and electricity has been non-existent for a long time due to vandalized infrastructure. Students face hunger and abandonment, not only by the government but, in many cases, by their own families. The curriculum is limited to core subjects, with science subjects like Physics and Chemistry no longer taught due to a lack of qualified specialist teachers and functional laboratories. Teachers posted to the school often seek transfers due to the harsh conditions, and incentives for specialist educators were scrapped, leading many experienced staff to leave. Following a viral video exposing the school's condition, staff members were reportedly warned against discussing the situation with outsiders. The Imo State Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Bernard-Thompson Ikegwuoha, apologized for the school's state and confirmed a breached perimeter fence, directing the Mbaitoli Local Government Area chairman to provide security. Innocent
The Gombe State Government has launched an investigation into the collapse of a section of the cantilevered entrance canopy at the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex construction site. The incident, which occurred on Friday, resulted in the death of one worker and injuries to seven others. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, Danladi Adamu, confirmed that the seven injured workers are receiving medical treatment at Gombe State Specialist Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, at the government's expense. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, along with relevant agencies, has been directed to initiate safety and accountability procedures. The contractor and supervising consultant for the project have been instructed to submit a formal incident report within 24 hours, followed by a preliminary investigation report and a comprehensive technical report. The government stated that future actions will be guided by the investigation's findings and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety and quality standards in public infrastructure projects.