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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Tinubu Sends Ribadu, Gbajabiamila, Security Chiefs to Oyo Abduction Scene as Pressure Mounts on Rescue Efforts

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a high-level federal delegation, led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, to communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of students and teachers in a coordinated attack.

    The visit comes two weeks after armed men reportedly stormed schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota axis, abducting more than 45 students, alongside six teachers and a principal in a morning raid that has continued to trigger nationwide concern.

    Federal Delegation Arrives Oyo Communities

    According to visuals circulating online, members of the delegation were seen arriving in the affected communities amid tight security presence.

    The team includes key federal officials such as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and presidential aide Sunday Dare.

    In a post on X, Sunday Dare said President Tinubu had activated coordinated efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims and tracking down the attackers.

    He wrote that the delegation was deployed to the Ogbomoso axis, which falls under the Oriire Local Government Area, describing the attack as a serious national security concern requiring immediate intervention.

    Makinde’s Earlier Visit

    The federal visit follows an earlier visit by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who met with families of the abducted victims and assured residents that both state and federal security agencies were working to secure their release.

    Makinde had pledged that all legal and operational measures would be deployed to ensure the safe return of the students and teachers.

    Rising Security Concerns

    The attack has intensified concerns over school safety and rural insecurity in parts of the state, with growing calls for stronger protection of educational institutions and faster response mechanisms during such incidents.

    Security agencies have continued operations in the area as pressure mounts on authorities to secure the safe return of the abducted victims.

  • Wike Mocks Aisha Yesufu Over Failed FCT Senate Bid in NDC Primary

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at activist Aisha Yesufu following her inability to emerge as the senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a luncheon for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    He mocked the outspoken activist, describing her as someone who speaks “grammar” but could not secure victory in what he called a simple party primary.

    Wike’s Remarks

    According to Wike, Yesufu had previously criticised him as a government appointee, insisting she had no business engaging with political office holders.

    He said:

    “There’s one woman who said Wike is an appointee of government and that she has no business with appointees. You speak grammar, speak grammar.

    “Ordinary primary of NDC, not APC or PDP, just ordinary NDC, what happened? She didn’t make it.

    “It’s easy for people to talk. When they enter into those media houses, they begin to churn out data from nowhere.

    “Now, the time for data has come. What happened? Fa fa fa foul. It didn’t work. If e didn’t dey? E didn’t dey.”

    Background to the Dispute

    Aisha Yesufu had earlier accused the NDC of undermining its internal democratic process in the selection of its FCT senatorial candidate, alleging that the exercise was manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome.

    Her comments and political involvement have continued to generate reactions across political and civic spaces, especially as the build-up to the 2027 elections intensifies.

  • Man Arrested Over Cross River Killings Says He Sought Revenge for Family Lost 29 Years Ago

    A 40-year-old man, Akaninyene Eretus, arrested in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, has told police investigators that he killed two men in an attempt to avenge the deaths of his parents and two elder brothers during a communal conflict nearly 29 years ago.

    The suspect is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where he reportedly confessed to the killings of two men identified as Okokon and Okon.

    Suspect Explains Motive

    According to the Cross River State Police Command, Eretus told detectives that he had lived with the pain of losing his family members for almost three decades and decided to take revenge.

    In his confession, he reportedly said:

    “I killed them because I could not forget my family being taken from me. For 29 years I lived with the pain. I wanted justice; I thought I could right the wrongs done to my parents and brothers.”

    Police said the killings took place on May 24 and May 25, 2026.

    How The Victims Were Killed

    The suspect further disclosed that one of the victims was allegedly killed while asleep, while the second victim was attacked with a machete.

    Authorities said two bodies believed to be those of the victims have been recovered and deposited at a hospital morgue for preservation, identification, and autopsy.

    Police Clarify Viral Claims

    The case drew widespread attention after reports emerged online about the discovery of shallow graves in a forest hideout located in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community.

    Some social media posts claimed the suspect had confessed to killing as many as 30 people.

    However, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, dismissed those reports, describing them as unverified.

    According to him, only two bodies have been recovered so far and investigations are ongoing.

    Investigation Continues

    Police authorities said further inquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killings and determine whether there are additional victims connected to the case.

    The command urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information while investigations remain active.

  • VeryDarkMan Calls for Nationwide School Boycott Over Abducted Oyo Teachers and Pupils

    Social media activist VeryDarkMan has called for a nationwide school boycott in response to the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted during an attack on schools in Oyo State.

    The activist made the appeal in a video shared on social media, where he expressed concern over what he described as the tendency of Nigerians to quickly move on from major national tragedies.

    Calls For Sustained Pressure

    According to VeryDarkMan, public attention should remain fixed on the plight of the abducted teachers and children until they are safely released.

    He argued that many serious issues often disappear from public discourse after a few days, allowing authorities and stakeholders to avoid sustained pressure.

    The activist insisted that the Oyo abduction case should not be forgotten while victims remain in captivity.

    Appeal To Teachers And Parents

    As part of his proposed action, VeryDarkMan urged public school teachers across Nigeria to stay away from classrooms beginning June 1, 2026.

    He also appealed to parents to temporarily keep their children at home as a show of solidarity with the abducted pupils and their families.

    According to him, a coordinated action would demonstrate national unity and increase public awareness about the ongoing crisis.

    ‘We Must Not Move On’

    In the video, the activist stated that the situation required collective action from Nigerians rather than silence.

    “Nigerians are cursed with one thing. They know how to move on quickly. However, on this issue on ground, we are not going to move on until they are released,” he said.

    He added that teachers and parents should use the boycott to draw attention to the victims’ situation and demand stronger efforts toward their rescue.

    Growing Concern Over Oyo Abductions

    The call comes amid increasing public concern over the abduction of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    The incident has sparked protests, solidarity walks and appeals from various groups demanding the safe return of those still being held captive.

    While security agencies continue rescue efforts, families, teachers’ unions and civil society groups have continued to call for urgent action to secure the victims’ release.

  • APC Tells Makinde to Resign Over Security Comments, Says Governor Has Failed Oyo

    The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his recent comments on insecurity, accusing him of failing in his responsibility to protect lives and property in the state.

    The opposition party also called on the governor to resign and allow his deputy complete the remaining year of the administration.

    APC Rejects Makinde’s Position

    In a statement issued in Ibadan by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC faulted Makinde’s remarks that governors have limited control over security agencies because they are under federal authority.

    The party described the governor’s position as an attempt to shift responsibility amid growing concerns over insecurity, particularly following the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

    According to the APC, Makinde’s comments reflected what it described as a lack of leadership at a critical time for the state.

    Security Debate Deepens

    Makinde recently renewed his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that governors often bear responsibility for security challenges without having direct control over security agencies.

    The governor made the remarks while addressing members of the Allied Peoples Movement during its primary election in Ibadan.

    He maintained that empowering states to establish and manage their own police structures would improve responses to security threats across the country.

    APC Cites Previous Administrations

    The opposition party argued that previous governors operated under the same constitutional framework without facing the level of insecurity currently affecting parts of Oyo State.

    The APC specifically referenced former governors including the late Lam Adesina, Rasheed Ladoja, the late Adebayo Alao-Akala and the late Abiola Ajimobi.

    According to the party, Ajimobi strengthened security through the establishment of a security trust fund and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

    Calls for Resignation

    APC further claimed that Makinde’s presidential ambition was distracting him from governance and alleged that his handling of security issues had exposed weaknesses in his administration.

    The party insisted that if the governor believes he lacks the authority to effectively tackle insecurity, he should step aside.

    “Makinde has failed to demonstrate the leadership qualities required at this critical period and should resign from office immediately,” the statement said.

    State Police Remains Key Issue

    The exchange highlights the growing debate over state policing in Nigeria, with supporters arguing that decentralised policing would improve security, while critics remain concerned about potential political abuse and constitutional implications.

    The discussion has gained renewed attention following recent kidnappings involving teachers and students in parts of Oyo State.

  • Davido Responds to Critics, Clarifies Relationship With Seyi Tinubu

    Afrobeats superstar Davido has responded to criticism over his relationship with Seyi Tinubu, insisting that friendship does not prevent him from speaking on issues affecting Nigerians.

    The singer made the clarification after facing backlash on social media following comments in which he criticised entertainers for remaining silent about the country’s challenges.

    Davido Calls for More Voices

    In an earlier post, Davido lamented what he described as growing injustice in the country and urged entertainers to become more vocal.

    According to him, celebrities, including himself, have not done enough to speak out on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

    “I can’t lie, we entertainers, we dey fuck up, I wouldn’t lie, including me. We need to speak up, it’s too much injustice going on. Our country don go,” he wrote.

    Responds To ‘City Boy’ Allegation

    Following the post, an X user accused the singer of being selective in his criticism because of his alleged closeness to Seyi Tinubu.

    The user claimed Davido was part of a political circle associated with the “City Boy” movement.

    Reacting to the allegation, Davido firmly denied belonging to any political group.

    “I no dey part of any City Boy group,” he wrote.

    Friendship Has Limits, Says Singer

    Davido explained that he has known Seyi Tinubu for many years but said their relationship is purely friendship.

    According to him, he regularly communicates his concerns about national issues directly to the president’s son.

    “I’ve been friends with ST for years, and that’s where it stops. I call and complain to him all the time, even in person,” he stated.

    The singer also recalled how he faced criticism in the past after speaking about Nigeria’s challenges during interviews with international media outlets.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    His comments have generated debate across social media platforms.

    While some users praised him for maintaining his position despite his friendship with a member of the president’s family, others argued that influential celebrities should be more outspoken in holding leaders accountable.

    Davido has repeatedly used his platform to discuss issues such as insecurity, economic hardship and national unity, often calling for peace and improved governance.

  • Makinde Accepts APM Presidential Ticket, Promises State Police and Security Reforms

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has accepted the presidential nomination of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election, pledging to prioritise security reforms and restore public confidence in governance.

    Makinde received the party’s certificate of return and flag during a ceremony held in Ibadan after delegates reportedly endorsed him as the party’s consensus candidate.

    Makinde Accepts Nomination

    Speaking after receiving the nomination, Makinde said his decision to run was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to address Nigeria’s challenges through practical leadership and transparent governance.

    According to him, the country needs leaders who can rebuild trust and deliver results that directly impact ordinary citizens.

    He said his administration’s experience in Oyo State had shown that meaningful reforms are possible when leaders remain accountable to the people.

    Security Takes Centre Stage

    A major focus of Makinde’s speech was insecurity, which he described as one of the country’s most pressing challenges.

    The governor referenced the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen killed a teacher and abducted students and educators.

    Makinde argued that governors often lack sufficient constitutional powers to respond effectively to security emergencies despite being regarded as chief security officers of their states.

    Push For State Police

    The Oyo governor reiterated his support for state policing, insisting that Nigeria’s current security structure requires urgent reform.

    According to him, decentralising security operations and granting more authority to state governments would improve response times and strengthen efforts to protect lives and property.

    He maintained that localised security solutions remain critical to tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.

    Supporters Back Reform Agenda

    Supporters at the event described Makinde’s emergence as an opportunity to advance conversations around governance reform, security and economic development.

    His nomination adds another prominent name to the growing list of politicians being linked with the 2027 presidential race.

  • PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Heartbreak for Arsenal

    Paris Saint-Germain have successfully defended their UEFA Champions League crown after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in the 2026 final at the Puskás Aréna.

    The victory gives PSG their second consecutive Champions League title and confirms their growing dominance in European football.

    Arsenal Strike First

    The Gunners made a dream start when Kai Havertz fired Arsenal ahead in the sixth minute after being set up by Leandro Trossard. The early goal stunned PSG and handed Mikel Arteta’s side a crucial advantage.

    Arsenal held their lead for much of the contest and looked on course to finally lift their first Champions League trophy.

    Dembélé Levels From The Spot

    PSG found their breakthrough in the 65th minute after Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera was penalised for a challenge on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the area.

    Ousmane Dembélé stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to make it 1-1.

    Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner during normal time or extra time.

    Penalty Drama Decides The Trophy

    The final eventually went to penalties, where PSG held their nerve.

    Arsenal’s hopes suffered a major blow when defender Gabriel blasted his effort over the crossbar during the shootout. PSG converted enough spot-kicks to secure a 4-3 victory and retain the trophy.

    Vitinha Named Man of the Match

    PSG midfielder Vitinha was named Man of the Match after an influential display in the centre of the park.

    The final was officiated by German referee Daniel Siebert in front of more than 61,000 spectators in Budapest.

    Historic Achievement For PSG

    The triumph makes PSG the first French club to win back-to-back Champions League titles and further strengthens their status among Europe’s elite. They will now advance to the 2026 UEFA Super Cup and other major international competitions as continental champions.

    For Arsenal, the defeat extends their wait for a first Champions League title and marks another painful final after their loss to Barcelona in 2006.

     

  • Jonathan Emerges PDP Faction’s 2027 Presidential Candidate Amid Convention Drama

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emerged as the presidential candidate of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2027 general election.

    The former Nigerian leader was ratified as the faction’s candidate during a special national convention organised by the group led by Kabiru Turaki in Abuja on Saturday.

    Jonathan Ratified in Absentia

    Although Jonathan was absent from the convention, delegates unanimously endorsed his candidacy.

    His certificate of return was received on his behalf by Fred Agbedi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Bayelsa State.

    Party officials said a date would be announced later for the formal presentation of the party’s flag to the former president.

    Convention Venue Changed After Police Blockade

    The Turaki-led faction had initially scheduled the convention to hold at the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja.

    However, the event faced a setback after the Federal Capital Territory Administration directed hotel and event centre operators to deal only with political party leaderships recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    The PDP faction aligned with Nyesom Wike is currently the group recognised by INEC.

    Police officers reportedly blocked access roads leading to the original venue on Saturday morning, forcing organisers to relocate the gathering.

    Delegates Meet at Party Office

    Following the disruption, party officials moved the convention to the faction’s office in Area 10, Garki District, Abuja.

    Delegates later assembled at the new venue and proceeded with the convention, where Jonathan’s nomination was formally ratified.

    Fresh Twist in PDP Leadership Crisis

    The development adds another layer to the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, where multiple factions continue to battle over the party’s structure and control ahead of the 2027 elections.

    It remains unclear whether Jonathan will formally accept the nomination, as the former president has not publicly commented on the development.

  • Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol, Diesel Prices Again After Recent Increase

    The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced a fresh reduction in the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel.

    The latest adjustment comes weeks after the refinery increased its ex-gantry petrol price, a move that triggered reactions across the downstream petroleum sector.

    Petrol Price Reduced by ₦25

    According to the new pricing structure, the refinery has cut the gantry price of petrol by ₦25 per litre.

    The product will now sell at ₦1,250 per litre, down from the previous price of ₦1,275 per litre.

    The reduction is expected to influence retail pump prices in various parts of the country, depending on transportation and distribution costs.

    Diesel Price Drops by ₦100

    The refinery also announced a significant reduction in the price of diesel.

    Automotive Gas Oil will now be sold at ₦1,700 per litre at the gantry, representing a ₦100 decrease from the previous price of ₦1,800 per litre.

    The adjustment is expected to provide some relief for businesses, manufacturers, transport operators and other diesel-dependent sectors.

    Comes Weeks After Price Hike

    The latest development comes about three weeks after reports emerged that the refinery had increased the ex-gantry price of petrol.

    The earlier increase was linked to market dynamics and fluctuations within the global energy sector.

    The new reduction is likely to be welcomed by consumers and industry operators who have continued to grapple with rising energy costs.

    Potential Impact on Consumers

    Industry observers say the reduction could eventually reflect in pump prices if marketers pass on the savings to consumers.

    However, the final retail price will still depend on factors such as logistics, transportation costs, depot charges and market competition.

    The Dangote Refinery remains a major player in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, with its pricing decisions often influencing fuel market trends nationwide.