Crime
Oyo abduction: Teachers begin strike as Tinubu sends 1,000 forest guards to rescue victims
He also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
This is as the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State and announced plans for nationwide solidarity rallies to press the government for the rescue of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
According to a statement signed Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a high-powered Federal Government delegation conveyed the presidential directives to community leaders and lawmakers during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The delegation also informed leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been transmitted to the President for consideration and approval.
The development comes 16 days after gunmen struck communities in the area and took dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers captive.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu; Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retd); and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, Onanuga said.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to dispatch the nation’s top security leadership to the affected communities reflected his determination to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely.
“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” Gbajabiamila said.
He also addressed the appeals from parents and community members urging caution in the rescue operation.
The Chief of Staff explained, “Mr President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts.
“Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
The delegation also called on the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, at his palace to commiserate with the traditional ruler and his people.
They also held separate visits to the widow of the slain teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children where Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s personal condolences to the family and promised that they would not be left to suffer.
The 1,000 forest guards approved by the President will be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, Onanuga revealed.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools; Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, taking pupils and teachers captive.
During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, and a security personnel died after running into improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during early rescue attempts.
The Oriire LGA communities sit on the fringes of a forested belt that the abductors have exploited for cover since the attack.
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Ribadu, said no stone would be left unturned.
“We share in your pains and agonies. The perpetrators of this dastardly act are evil.
“The kidnapping of a two-year-old infant is nothing but evil.
“The Federal Government will ensure that an end is brought to this inglorious act nationwide,” he said.
Defence Minister Musa echoed the President’s commitment on the forest guards and called on local communities to collaborate actively with security forces.
Musa said, “Like the Chief of Staff said, President Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers in Oyo. Other security requests by the people will be looked into.”
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, who earlier spoke on behalf of the community, linked the recurring abductions to the expansive forest reserves that armed groups continue to exploit as cover.
“The kidnappers are taking advantage of the vast forest reserve in the area to perpetrate evil. We need a military base in Oriire.
“Also, the government must do something about the mobile network service in the area,” the monarch said.
A two-year-old infant and a school principal are among the confirmed captives from the abductions.
Days after the attack, videos later emerged showing the abducted school principal and a teacher making emotional appeals to President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians to help secure their release, with the captives indicating they were being held in harsh conditions and exposed to extreme weather.
On Saturday, Makinde had visited Ahoro Esiele and met with families of the victims at L.A. Basic School.
He appealed for understanding and urged communities not to trade blame between the state and federal governments.
Makinde told the gathering, “Don’t cry. I have come here because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible to you.
“By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers.
“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers. I feel your pain, but have trust in us.”
The Governor said he had been holding security meetings twice daily since the abduction occurred and was working closely with security agencies to facilitate the victims’ safe return.
He commended the Western Security Network, Amotekun, whose operatives had lost lives in combating security challenges across the state.
Husband of the abducted school principal, Professor Wole Alamu, had also made appeals directly to Makinde as well as Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren are among the captives.
Mr Aliu Saidi, a relative of one of the victims, pleaded for the government to do everything possible to secure the return of their loved ones.
NUT declares strike
In a similar development, the Nigeria Union of Teachers on Sunday declared an indefinite strike of all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State beginning Monday (today), June 1, 2026, citing the failure to secure the victims’ release despite repeated appeals.
The NUT directed teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state to withdraw their services from today over the continued abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state.
In a circular jointly signed by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Dr Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union expressed deep concern over the “horrifying, inhumane and traumatic conditions” being endured by the victims in captivity.
“The National Leadership has directed all Primary and Secondary School teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, 1st June, 2026, until the abducted teachers and students are safely released,” the statement read.
The union said it was particularly disturbed by reports of killings among the captives, as well as the emotional video appeals made by the school principal and a teacher from inside their captors’ den.
It said the prolonged captivity, with no clear indication of imminent rescue, left it with no choice but to act.
The union further directed all its state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, terminating at various Government Houses across the country, where state leaderships of the NUT would address journalists on the need for improved protection of schools, teachers and learners.
The NUT pledged to continue pursuing all lawful means to secure the release of the victims and renewed its call on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate and unconditional release of all captives.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Fresh fears have gripped residents of Ifite Awka following an alleged plot by suspected gunmen to establish camps in the area where four Fulani herders were killed two days ago.
Security reports indicate that the attack may have been aimed at scaring away visitors to the bush in an attempt to facilitate the establishment of new camps in the area.
Residents recalled that similar tactics had allegedly been used by criminal elements to take over communities, often with the assistance of local collaborators.
The area shares boundaries with Awka North Local Government Area, where there have been reports of gunmen operating in some communities.
Following the development, youths from Ifite Awka have stormed the Ifite Agu area in a manhunt for the suspected gunmen.
The development comes as Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has issued a fresh directive to traditional rulers and President-Generals (PGs) of communities to take charge of the security architecture in their respective areas in conjunction with local security operatives and the mayors of the 21 local government areas.
It was gathered that as early as 5 a.m., some youths in the area had moved into the bushes in search of the suspected gunmen and cattle reportedly missing following the incident.
The youths were accompanied by local hunters who assisted in the search.
Speaking with reporters, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime, confirmed the fresh directive to traditional rulers and President-Generals of communities across the state.
He said, “We have a government that is people-oriented and that is the government of Prof. Charles Soludo, who is a man that loves the people, is at home with the ordinary people and feels their pains.”
Aburime described the incident as unfortunate and urged the police and other relevant security agencies to take immediate action.
He noted that traditional rulers and President-Generals are the first points of contact when it comes to the security of lives and property in their communities, adding that the governor had reiterated his charge to security stakeholders to take control of security in their respective areas.
He, however, said the possibility of sabotage could not be ruled out, but added that it would be premature to draw conclusions before the completion of investigations by the relevant security agencies.
“The issue of sabotage against security in Anambra State cannot be ruled out, and that could just be an attempt to undermine the efforts of the government. But I cannot categorically tell you that it is an act of sabotage. We have to wait for the investigations of the security agencies before drawing conclusions,” he said.
He added that the Agunechemba Security Squad was working to improve security in the state, noting that residents had commended the governor for the improved security situation.
“We have a good security architecture in place, and I can tell you that this could just be an isolated incident. Everything necessary that needs to be done will be done in that regard,” Aburime said.
He stressed that security was the responsibility of everyone, regardless of social status or position.
“It is very simple, and the governor has always said that security is everybody’s business. When it happens, it affects everyone, irrespective of class or position,” he said.
According to him, “The President-Generals and traditional rulers are the first points of security in their communities and should be able to ensure that there is no security breach in their respective localities.”
He urged residents to provide useful intelligence to security agencies, assuring them that their identities would be protected.
“If you see something, say something. These people doing these things are human beings, and they live in the localities. People should be able to know them. They should avail us of intelligence reports, and that will help us fish them out. Your identity will always be protected,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Sanusi, has urged residents, particularly youths, to resist attempts by police officers to search their mobile phones during stop-and-search operations.
Sanusi said such searches violate a directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, stressing that officers are not permitted to randomly search the phones of members of the public.
The commissioner made the remarks during a press conference shared by News Central Television on Tuesday.
He explained that although mobile phones could be used as evidence in criminal investigations, they should only be examined after a suspect has been lawfully arrested and taken to a police station.
According to him, officers are not authorised to stop people on the road and demand access to their phones merely on suspicion that they may be involved in internet fraud or other criminal activities.
Sanusi urged residents confronted by officers demanding to search their phones to seek assistance by contacting the police emergency line or nearby police officers.
He reaffirmed the FCT Police Command’s commitment to enforcing the Inspector-General’s directive, warning that officers found violating the order would face disciplinary action.
He said the command would continue to take action against officers who abuse their authority or engage in extortion under the guise of conducting stop-and-search operations.
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of ₦500,000 under the guise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Calabar.
According to the statement, Ekpeme was arrested by officers attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area following a petition by a 45-year-old woman, Mrs Edemawan Samuel.
The complainant alleged that the suspect falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and collected ₦500,000 from her after promising to facilitate employment for her children at UCTH.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly used the false representation to deceive the woman into handing over the money.
Relevant exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged offences were also recovered during the investigation, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The police spokesperson said the suspect is being investigated for alleged impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and unlawful use of medical equipment.
The Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, has directed detectives to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other possible victims or accomplices.
The command said the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigations if sufficient evidence is established.
The police assured members of the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The arrest comes weeks after the Edo State Police Command announced the arrest of a 46-year-old man, Osaze Okungbowa, who was accused of impersonating a medical doctor and allegedly delivering babies and trafficking newborns.
The Edo suspect was arrested following a complaint by a woman, Princess Oke, who reported that the baby she delivered under his care had gone missing, leading to a police investigation.
Also killed were three women, including the commander’s sister, who were with him during the attack.
The assailants reportedly attacked the vigilante commander while he was relaxing outside his compound with the women along Oba Road in Omoku.
It was gathered that the killing may have been a reprisal following a violent clash linked to a community dispute.
A source told our correspondent that a youth meeting had been disrupted earlier on Tuesday after armed security personnel and OSPAC members allegedly stormed the venue and opened fire, leaving two youths with gunshot injuries.
Videos of the aftermath of the attack circulating on social media and seen by our correspondent on Wednesday showed multiple casualties, including the three women.
Residents, some believed to be relatives of the victims, were seen crying at the scene, while others carried the injured into a vehicle.
A source told our correspondent that the incident had caused panic in the area, with some residents fleeing to safer locations and business activities disrupted.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said, “As I speak to you, many businesses and markets have remained shut since Tuesday.
“Many residents have also fled to neighbouring communities for safety because of fear. There is serious panic here.”
Confirming the incident in a voice note, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Nkem Godknows, said the gunmen attacked the vigilante commander while he was sitting with his sister and her friend near his residence.
He further said two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
He said, “It was about 5:05 p.m. Our commander was hanging out with his sister and friend around his neighbourhood. Before you know it, the gunmen got there and shot him dead.
“There are three women that died on the spot, while two others are in the hospital with bullet wounds.
“We reported to the police immediately. My call to the people of Omoku and ONELGA in general is that they should remain calm. Nobody should panic.
“By God’s grace, OSPAC and the security agencies are on top of the matter. I also appeal to the government and the security personnel to come to the aid of OSPAC because we are not properly taken care of.
“We are not paid. We have no source of income.”
When contacted on Wednesday afternoon, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the attack and expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a setback to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
Agabe said the command strongly condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
She said, “I can confirm the incident. The Rivers State Police Command is saddened by this incident, which has disturbed the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
“The command condemns this act in its entirety and assures that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The Rivers State Police Command seeks credible information from members of the public that will assist us in our ongoing investigation.”
The command also arrested the alleged proprietor of the institution, who was accused of luring young people from across Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday following days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance by NSCDC operatives.
According to the corps, the suspected institution was operating without an official name, registration, signboard or recognised campus, while allegedly presenting itself online as a distance-learning centre affiliated with a foreign university.
Students of the fake Lagos university during the raid by NSCDC…Photo Credit: NSCDC
On Monday, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the raid followed credible intelligence about activities at the apartment.
“We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody,” Ekunola said.
Investigations revealed that the rescued youths, mostly between the ages of 19 and 24, came from several Nigerian states, including Kogi, Oyo and some northern states. Others reportedly travelled from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Cameroon and Togo after being recruited online.
Preliminary findings indicated that the victims were persuaded to pay admission and processing fees ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million, while some foreign nationals reportedly paid between $400 and $500 after being promised admission into a foreign tertiary institution.
The NSCDC further discovered that the admission offer allegedly came with a recruitment condition requiring participants to bring in more students in exchange for commissions.
One of the victims reportedly told investigators that after paying $400, he convinced his brother in Kogi State to enrol and had already started receiving referral commissions.
The command also uncovered another dimension of the operation, alleging that some participants were involved in promoting unidentified products online while earning percentages from product sales and recruitment.
Expressing concern over the incident, Ekunola said many parents were unaware of what their children were actually doing in Badagry.
“We have started contacting their families. One parent told us her child informed the family that he came to Badagry to learn a trade, not to attend a university. That shows many of these parents were completely unaware,” he said.
He said all the rescued youths would be profiled before being reunited with their families after investigations.
The area commander added that anyone found culpable in operating the alleged fake institution would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The NSCDC said investigations had been expanded to uncover the full network behind the operation, identify other collaborators and determine whether similar schemes are operating in other parts of the country.
The discovery has renewed concerns over the growing number of fraudulent online admission schemes targeting young Nigerians and foreign nationals seeking opportunities to study abroad.
-
News2 days ago“I Did Not Kill Him, He Died on Top of Me” — Woman Who Was With Abacha Reveals
-
News2 days agoFour Herders, Several Cattle Killed As Gunmen Attack Ranch In Anambra
-
News5 days agoSGF Accused of Withholding Tinubu’s Appointment Letter as Leadership Crisis Rocks BCDA
-
News5 days agoEnugu East Screens 116 Candidates for Nursing, Health Technology Admissio
-
News3 days agoPFIPC scandal: How CBN opened domiciliary accounts for phantom agency
-
Uncategorized4 days ago
-
Politics3 days agoKwankwaso: Obi signed one-term presidency accord
-
News2 days ago
Anambra LG Polls Threatened as 56 Councillors Sue to Stop ANSIEC