馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Oyo NUT demands swift rescue of abducted headmaster
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State Wing, has voiced concern regarding the abduction of M.K. Owoade, a primary school headmaster from Nomadic Basic School, Ogodu, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area. Mr. Owoade was reportedly kidnapped on his farmland on Saturday, July 11, 2026, around 5 pm. The union, in a statement signed by State Chairman Hassan Fatai and State Secretary Salami Olukayode, described the incident as disturbing and indicative of increasing security challenges for educators nationwide. The NUT leadership has urged the government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to intensify efforts for Mr. Owoade's immediate rescue and to ensure the safety of teachers and all citizens in their communities and workplaces. The union expressed solidarity with the victim's family, colleagues, and pupils, praying for his safe return and advising members to remain vigilant.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Oyo State Governor, 'Seyi Makinde, announced that the state government has taken over the welfare and responsibility of the recently rescued Oriire teachers and pupils. This commitment was made after the military formally handed over the victims to the Oyo State Government in Ibadan, following 56 days in captivity. Governor Makinde stated that the government will provide immediate medical, psychological, and logistical support to the victims and their families, working directly with the affected Baptist school. He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of Nigeria's security agencies for their intervention and coordination in the rescue operation. The Governor assured that the state would ensure no disruption to the teachers' careers or the pupils' education, and that medical observation would continue for 24 to 48 hours before their discharge. Parents will be granted access once the victims are medically stable. Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding, noted that directives from President Tinubu and Governor Makinde strengthened the resolve of troops during the pursuit of the abductors. One of the rescued teachers, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, recounted the harrowing experience, including moving through forests at night and witnessing the killing of mathematics teacher Mr. Michael Oyedokun by the kidnappers to intimidate security agencies. Armed bandits had abducted 39 pupils and six teachers on May 15, 2026, from three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esie
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar stated that the Court of Appeal judgment on the party's leadership crisis does not invalidate the ADC's primary elections for the 2027 general election. He insisted the ruling was limited to the conduct of the party's congresses and the tenure of its state executives. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku urged party members to remain calm, assuring them the judgment does not affect candidates who emerged through the party鈥檚 direct primaries. He argued there is a clear legal distinction between the election of party executives through internal congresses and the nomination of candidates through statutory primary elections. Atiku also criticized attempts to misrepresent the judgment on social media and confirmed that the ADC has directed its legal team to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the appellate court鈥檚 decision. The Court of Appeal, in a split decision, upheld a Federal High Court judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognizing or participating in state congresses organized by committees appointed by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the ADC. Atiku reaffirmed that the party remains focused on the 2027 general election.
Must ReadMrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of a secondary school in Oyo State, has shared details of her 56-day abduction alongside teachers and pupils. Abducted on May 15, 2026, by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area, the group was rescued by security agencies. Alamu described spending most of the captivity in open forests, enduring harsh weather. She stated that while she was not physically assaulted, younger pupils were beaten when they cried or made noise, with their mouths sometimes tied. Male teachers reportedly faced harsher treatment, being blindfolded, handcuffed, and chained. The kidnappers frequently moved the captives through forests at night to evade security, forcing them to trek for hours. Alamu noted that none of the victims were sexually assaulted. She also reflected on the impact of the ordeal on her teaching career, particularly regarding future rural postings.