Oyo Assembly rejects negotiation with bandits after school abduction
via Punch Nigeria12 min read
The Oyo State House of Assembly has rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with bandits responsible for the abduction of teachers and students in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15, 2026. Instead, the Assembly called for intensified rescue operations to secure the victims' release. This resolution followed a motion by Johnson Ogundele, representing Oriire State Constituency, who highlighted increasing insecurity in the area, including a previous attack on a National Park Service office where five forest guards were killed. The Assembly urged Governor Seyi Makinde to deploy security operatives and visit affected communities, and called for increased support for security agencies, including establishing a permanent military base in vulnerable areas. They also recommended that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board conduct security audits of schools near forests and border settlements, and expedite the installation of security lights, perimeter fencing, and CCTV cameras, along with developing a Safe School Emergency Response Protocol. Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin reiterated calls for state police, while Olubisi Oluranti emphasized increased personnel deployment. Gbenga Oyekola blamed poor management of forest reserves for some security challenges, and Babajide Gabriel called for structural reforms in Nigeria's security architecture and more recruitment into the Amotekun Corps. Dawood Olal
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.
Must ReadThe International Finance Corporation IFC and Standard Chartered Bank have introduced a $300 million risk-sharing facility to enhance access to supply chain finance for businesses across eight African countries, including Nigeria. This initiative aims to address funding shortages faced by firms on the continent. The program is projected to support supply chain and trade finance transactions totaling approximately $1.9 billion over the next three years, benefiting over 500 suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs. The facility will be implemented in Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. The IFC, the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, will provide guarantees of up to $150 million, with an initial commitment of $100 million, covering transactions in US dollars and selected local currencies. This risk-sharing structure will cover up to $300 million in supply chain and trade finance assets originated by Standard Chartered in Africa. The program will utilize financing tools like payables finance, receivables discounting, and pre-shipment finance schemes to improve working capital access for smaller businesses, ensuring faster payments for suppliers. Mohamed Gouled, IFC Vice President for Products and Clients, stated that supply chain finance is a rapid way to address the funding challenges in developing economies, particularly fo
George Ogbonnaya, FCMB's Senior Vice President and Divisional Head of Business Banking, states that Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs require more than just access to finance to achieve sustainable growth. He emphasizes that critical drivers for growth include reliable infrastructure, such as electricity, efficient logistics, and robust digital networks, alongside skills development and digital transformation. Ogbonnaya highlights that energy costs, particularly, have a significant impact on operating expenses, leading FCMB to invest in renewable energy financing to help businesses reduce costs. He also points out the importance of improving logistics within Africa and providing affordable access to digital tools. Skills development, including management capabilities and specialized expertise, is crucial for entrepreneurs to scale successfully. FCMB, with its history of supporting Nigeria's economic development, aims to be a partner in businesses' growth journeys, especially during challenging economic periods marked by high inflation and rising operating costs. The bank offers tailored financial solutions, leverages alternative data and digital lending models, and seeks funding from development finance institutions to provide affordable financing options. Beyond financing, FCMB focuses on digital enablement, business development, and capacity building, training over 4,500 SMEs annually through various programs. The bank's Business Zone platform, expanded with
Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua stated he has no regrets regarding the damage inflicted on Jake Paul during their December 2025 heavyweight bout. Joshua, a British-Nigerian, responded to questions about Paul's potential retirement by saying, "I think that’s what was asked of me, and I think I delivered." He broke Paul’s jaw in two places in the sixth round of their fight in Miami, resulting in Paul having two titanium plates fitted and a professional record of 12-2. Paul has been inactive since, acknowledging the possibility of his boxing career ending. Joshua, speaking ahead of his July 25 fight against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, revealed he had a clear mandate for the Paul bout: "There was a strict message that was given, and a task that was laid upon me, and that was to get rid of Jake Paul and remove him from our beloved sport." He added that the job was "well and truly done." Joshua also credited the fight with reigniting his career after a year away from the ring following his September 2024 knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois. He noted, "A lot of people said, ‘That’s the guy we knew,’ and it felt good to be back." Shortly after the Paul fight, Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria as a passenger, which claimed the lives of two friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. His current focus is on Prenga in July, followed by an anticipated all-British showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year. Fury returned in April with a p
Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara supports Victor Osimhen's proposed transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, believing the Nigerian striker would thrive there and contribute to the club's European dominance. Osimhen, who had a prolific season with Galatasaray, scoring 22 goals and providing six assists, has attracted interest from several top European clubs. Okpara, a former PSG player, stated that the move would strengthen PSG and benefit Osimhen, citing his previous success in the French league with Lille. He believes Osimhen's move to PSG would be good for both the player and Nigeria. While PSG is reportedly interested in Osimhen, Atletico Madrid has also entered the race, with initial talks held. Galatasaray is demanding at least €100m for Osimhen, a figure Atletico might meet if Julian Alvarez departs. Osimhen has also drawn interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Manchester United, but sources indicate he will only leave Galatasaray if the club decides to sell him.