Oyo State Governor Makinde prioritizes safe return of abducted pupils and teachers, addresses security measures and aircraft delivery
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents that the safe rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area is his administration's top priority. Security agencies are conducting coordinated operations, with the state government providing support. To enhance security and aid rescue efforts, a temporary 16-hour curfew has been approved for 10 Local Government Areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The government is also preparing for the safe resumption of schools, balancing education with the safety of students and teachers. Governor Makinde also announced that the delivery of the state's surveillance aircraft is in its final phase, with additional technical procedures delaying its expected June delivery. These procedures ensure all operational, regulatory, and safety requirements are met before handover. The aircraft is expected to significantly strengthen the state's capacity for aerial surveillance, rapid emergency response, and broader security operations, while also supporting other critical government functions. Makinde reiterated his administration's commitment to public safety, education, infrastructure, and strategic investments.
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Church on the Street NG has introduced the 2026 Civic Africa Fellowship, a program designed to equip young Africans with leadership and global citizenship skills. The organization stated that the fellowship aims to empower young people to become active citizens, policy influencers, and solution providers within their communities. This initiative seeks to reposition young Africans from being beneficiaries to drivers of social transformation, particularly as Africa has the world's youngest population. The fellowship will gather young leaders passionate about civic engagement, community development, social innovation, and public service. Itofa Ivarah, Founder of Church on the Street NG, emphasized that Africa's future depends on the quality of its leaders. The program will include mentorship, leadership workshops, collaborative projects, and a residency to enhance leadership capacity and civic engagement. The organization also called for collaboration from development partners, educators, policymakers, civil society organizations, and youth-focused institutions to strengthen youth leadership and civic participation across Africa. The launch of the Civic Africa Fellowship is a step in Church on the Street NG's mission to empower communities and foster social transformation.
Must ReadA report by SBM Intel Violence Tracker reveals that Nigerian security agencies lost 282 rifles to various armed groups in 94 separate incidents between 2021 and mid-2026. The Nigeria Police Force accounted for the majority of these losses, with 201 rifles stolen, representing 71.3 percent of the total. The military lost 45 rifles, while other security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Customs Service, and vigilantes also reported losses. "Unknown gunmen" were identified as the primary perpetrators, responsible for 168 stolen rifles, followed by bandits with 58 rifles, and the Islamic State West Africa Province with 41. Geographically, Delta State recorded the highest number of stolen rifles with 67, followed by Abia with 51. Despite these thefts, security agencies recovered 1,442 rifles during the same period, indicating that the issue of illegal weapons in Nigeria extends beyond those stolen from security personnel, and the pace of theft accelerated in 2026.
Must ReadThe Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC announced its intention to challenge a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier order for the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to register the party. The NDC maintains it has not been deregistered and has instructed its legal team to appeal the decision. The ruling, issued by Justice Isah Dashen, cited that the initial judgment adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used for registration, and was not included in the original suit. NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, stated that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to set aside its final judgment through a motion and questioned the standing of the Peace Movement Party. He assured members that party activities and preparations for the 2027 elections would continue. Presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, the NDC caucus in the House of Representatives, the Obidient Movement, and the Kwankwasiyya Movement all condemned the judgment, viewing it as an attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election and shrink the democratic space. They expressed concerns about the judiciary's independence and the potential for a one-party state.