Oyo State Governor seeks deeper collaboration for abducted pupils' and teachers' release
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde appealed for enhanced cooperation between the state government and the Nigeria Police Force to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from Yawota and Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area. The appeal was made during a meeting with Deputy Inspector-General of Police Olatoye Fayoade, who was on a working visit to Ibadan as part of a directive from the Inspector-General of Police to assess security challenges. The abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. Governor Makinde described the incident as traumatic, noting that the victims have been in captivity for one month. He emphasized the government's commitment to working with federal security agencies and offered additional support to police operations, commending the Inspector-General's establishment of the Violent Crimes Unit. DIG Fayoade assured the governor of the Nigeria Police Force's dedication to the rescue efforts and conveyed the Inspector-General's goodwill. He stated that security measures have been strengthened across Oyo to prevent further criminal activities and that efforts are being intensified to safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure.
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 Federal Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards to tackle the recurring rejection of Nigerian agricultural commodities in export markets. This initiative, announced by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, aims to improve compliance with Maximum Residue Limits and other sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. The minister stated that the move is part of efforts to strengthen food safety systems and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in agricultural markets, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Over the years, rejections of Nigerian agricultural exports have led to economic setbacks for farmers, exporters, and agribusinesses. The Technical Working Group will bring together experts from various sectors to develop practical and sustainable solutions, strengthen national food control systems, and improve safe pesticide-use practices. The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Marcus Ogunbiyi, emphasized that agriculture is a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy and that export rejections pose a serious challenge. The committee, chaired by Lateef Oladimeji, is tasked with reviewing existing standards, harmonizing national guidelines with international benchmarks, and strengthening laboratory capacity. The group is expected to submit its report within two months.
The African Democratic Congress ADC has rejected a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister the party and four others. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, issued the order based on the parties' alleged failure to meet constitutional performance thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators. The ADC described the judgment as alarming and unconstitutional, stating it contradicts established legal standards and prior submissions by INEC. The party claims INEC had previously maintained that the ADC met all registration requirements and had not breached any constitutional threshold for deregistration. The ADC also alleged that the trial court proceeded despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order from May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings in the matter, calling it a breach of judicial hierarchy. The party views this development as a continuation of efforts by the ruling party to undermine the opposition, especially the ADC, and suggested the timing of the ruling, after its primaries for the 2027 elections, is suspicious. The ADC warned that eliminating a major opposition party through judicial maneuvering could lead to anarchy and stated it would challenge the judgment through all lawful and constitutional channels, while also planning to petition the National Judicial Council, accusing the presi
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, attended a rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to endorse President Bola Tinubu and advocate for increased cooperation among progressive political figures. Governor Soludo described his presence as a "solidarity visit," highlighting the growing alignment of progressive forces nationwide. This information was released in a statement by Christian Aburime, the governor's Chief Press Secretary. Standing with Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, Governor Soludo reiterated his dedication to collaborative governance and national unity. He stated, "I am here in solidarity with you because today, you are endorsing the President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. I have come in solidarity because progressives are working together. It is time for progressives to unite." Acknowledging current national challenges, Governor Soludo expressed confidence in the Federal Government's efforts to tackle economic and social issues. He also mentioned that his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, would soon formally position itself to strengthen a broader progressive coalition in the country. Addressing Ndị Igbo, Governor Soludo urged a shift from grievance-based politics to pragmatic engagement, stating, "We must now move from the alliance of protest to the alliance for progress—an alliance and partnership for prosperity for Ndigbo. We must now unite as Ndigbo; we must not waste our votes again." The rally co