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  • Oyo Teachers Stage Solidarity Walk in Ibadan Over Abducted Students, Demand Immediate Rescue

    Hundreds of teachers in Oyo State on Friday staged a peaceful solidarity walk in Ibadan, demanding the immediate release of students, pupils, and colleagues abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

    The protest, organised under the Oyo Teachers Action Group with support from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and civil society organisations, highlighted growing frustration over the continued captivity of victims more than two weeks after the incident.

    Teachers March Through Ibadan

    The demonstrators gathered at the Item 7 axis of Iwo Road and marched towards the Oyo State Secretariat, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they called for urgent government action.

    Placards displayed messages such as “Bring Back Our School Children and Colleagues,” “Teachers’ Lives Matter,” and “Enough is Enough,” reflecting mounting public anger over repeated school attacks in the state.

    Security operatives were seen monitoring the procession, while the protest reportedly remained peaceful and did not disrupt traffic flow in the area.

    Wider Spread of Solidarity Actions

    Similar coordinated demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the state, including Ogbomoso, Iseyin, and Oyo town, as pressure builds on authorities to secure the release of abducted victims.

    Organisers warned that further actions could follow if there is no progress in rescue efforts, including the possibility of school closures in affected areas.

    Background of Oriire School Attack

    The protest is linked to the May 15 attack in the Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire LGA, where armed gunmen stormed multiple schools, killing at least one teacher and abducting several students and staff.

    Reports indicate that about 39 students and seven teachers were taken during the attack, with victims including very young children.

    Since the incident, no official rescue has been confirmed despite ongoing joint operations involving the military, police, Amotekun, and local vigilantes.

    Government Response and Ongoing Operations

    Governor Seyi Makinde has repeatedly assured residents that security agencies are conducting round-the-clock operations to secure the victims’ release using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

    A recent video from one of the abducted teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, had earlier gone viral, in which she pleaded for negotiation and urgent intervention from authorities.

    Authorities continue to urge calm while assuring that intelligence-led operations are ongoing to rescue the victims safely.

    The protest underscores growing public anxiety over school safety in Oyo State and renewed calls for stronger security measures around educational institutions.

  • Aisha Yesufu Withdraws From NDC FCT Senate Race After Party Halts Primaries

    Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has stepped down from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after the party reportedly decided not to hold primaries for the seat.

    The development, confirmed on Friday, effectively ends her short-lived ambition to contest for the FCT senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Party Decision Alters Political Calculations

    According to Yesufu, the NDC leadership resolved not to conduct internal elections for the senatorial seat in the FCT, a decision that automatically reshaped the contest within the party.

    She noted that while senatorial primaries were suspended, the party would still proceed with House of Representatives primaries in the FCT.

    “Our party has decided not to conduct primaries for the Senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. It however intends to conduct primaries for House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!” she said.

    Supporters Urged to Remain Focused

    Despite stepping back from the race, Yesufu urged her supporters not to lose focus, stressing that the broader political goal ahead of 2027 remains unchanged.

    She encouraged members of her support base to continue mobilising around wider electoral participation, particularly at the presidential level.

    “I urge each and everyone of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!” she added.

    Campaign Movement and Grassroots Engagement

    Yesufu also expressed appreciation to supporters of the #AishaForSenate movement, describing their backing as encouraging during her brief campaign period.

    She said she would continue her engagements across the six area councils of the FCT, promising to sustain her advocacy and grassroots outreach despite withdrawing from the race.

    “In the coming week I will be returning back to all the 6 Area Councils God willing to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT,” she said.

    Political Realignments Within NDC

    Yesufu had only recently declared her intention to contest the FCT Senate seat on May 6, shortly after joining the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a desire to participate more directly in political leadership.

    Her withdrawal comes amid speculation of internal realignments within the party over the FCT senatorial structure, although the NDC has not issued an official clarification.

    The development adds another layer to early political positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties continue internal restructuring and candidate selection processes.

  • Verydarkman Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Response, Calls for Urgent Action

    Social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his handling of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity situation, following recent comments by the president on national security concerns.

    The activist expressed frustration in a video shared online, saying Nigerians expected clear answers and actionable solutions to rising cases of kidnappings, attacks, and violent crimes across the country.

    VeryDarkMan Questions Presidential Response

    VeryDarkMan argued that the president failed to directly address the severity of insecurity during his recent remarks, instead referencing religious narratives, which he said did not reflect the urgency of the situation.

    According to him, the government appears overwhelmed by the scale of insecurity affecting different parts of the country, especially communities impacted by banditry and abductions.

    He insisted that citizens were looking for concrete steps to restore safety rather than what he described as indirect messaging.

    Concerns Over Rising Insecurity

    The activist also warned about the growing threat posed by armed groups operating in various regions, stressing the need for stronger leadership and immediate intervention.

    He said insecurity has reached a level where schoolchildren, teachers and rural communities remain vulnerable to repeated attacks, raising concerns about public trust in government protection.

    Call for Stronger Government Action

    VeryDarkMan further called for urgent and decisive action from the federal government, arguing that national security should remain a top priority.

    He claimed that failure to respond effectively could worsen the situation if not properly addressed.

    His remarks have since sparked reactions online, with supporters agreeing with his concerns while critics argue that his tone was too extreme.

    The video continues to circulate across social media as discussions around insecurity and government response intensify.

  • NCDC Lists Lagos, FCT, Rivers Among High-Risk States Over Ebola Outbreak

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa as states facing high risk of Ebola importation following the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

    The agency said the classification was based on increased international travel, porous borders, regional population movement, and uncertainty surrounding the scale of the outbreak in affected countries.

    NCDC Raises Fresh Ebola Alert

    In a public health advisory issued on Thursday in Abuja, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed that 1,077 suspected Ebola cases and 247 deaths had already been recorded in the DRC and Uganda.

    According to him, the outbreak currently has a case fatality rate of up to 24.6 per cent, with the most affected age group between 14 and 45 years.

    He added that suspected cases had also been reported in India, while Canada recently suspended travel applications from residents of the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan over the outbreak.

    Uganda has also reportedly announced border closure measures.

    States Categorised By Risk Level

    The NCDC explained that the high-risk states were identified because they serve as major trade and travel hubs with international airports, seaports, porous borders, and active ground crossings.

    The agency also classified Ogun, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Abia, and Bayelsa as moderate-risk states.

    It stressed that all states and the FCT must remain prepared for possible Ebola cases, but noted that preparedness levels should reflect each state’s specific risk exposure.

    No Approved Vaccine For Current Ebola Strain

    Idris stated that the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus disease, which currently has no licensed vaccine or approved targeted treatment.

    “The current Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccines or approved targeted therapeutics,” he said.

    He explained that existing Ebola vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments were mainly designed for the Zaire ebolavirus strain and may not be effective against the current outbreak.

    According to the NCDC boss, rapid detection, isolation, contact tracing, safe burials, surveillance, and aggressive supportive care remain the major tools for controlling the outbreak.

    Nigeria Yet To Record Confirmed Case

    Despite the alert, the NCDC confirmed that Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case linked to the current outbreak.

    However, the agency warned that the risk of importation remains high because of regional transmission, international travel, and similarities between Ebola symptoms and other diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever.

    The agency said it had activated its National Emergency Operations Centre in alert mode to coordinate preparedness efforts nationwide.

    States Asked To Activate Emergency Measures

    The NCDC directed state governments and health commissioners to immediately strengthen preparedness across public and private health facilities.

    States were asked to activate public health coordination systems, conduct rapid risk assessments around points of entry and densely populated areas, and ensure healthcare workers can quickly identify and report suspected cases.

    The agency also instructed states to designate at least one functional isolation centre and establish proper referral systems for managing suspected Ebola patients safely.

    The development comes amid growing concerns over regional disease outbreaks and cross-border health threats across West Africa.

     

  • Malema Questions Job Creation Claims After Ghana Repatriates Citizens From South Africa

    Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has questioned claims that removing African migrants from South Africa would solve the country’s unemployment crisis following the recent repatriation of Ghanaian citizens amid rising xenophobic tensions.

    Malema made the remarks during a media interaction in late May 2026 after Ghana evacuated hundreds of its nationals from South Africa over growing safety concerns linked to anti-immigrant protests and attacks.

    Ghana Repatriates Citizens Amid Tensions

    The Ghanaian government recently organised voluntary repatriation flights for about 300 citizens from South Africa, with more departures expected in the coming days.

    The move followed increasing reports of harassment, intimidation and xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries.

    According to reports, nearly 900 Ghanaians registered for evacuation after protests and threats escalated in some communities. South African authorities reportedly stated that only a small number of those repatriated were legally undocumented.

    Malema Rejects Anti-Migrant Narrative

    Reacting to the development, Malema challenged arguments that foreign nationals are responsible for South Africa’s economic struggles and unemployment rate.

    “Because the Ghanaians are gone now, 300 of them. How many 300 jobs were created after the Ghanaians have left?” he asked.

    The opposition politician described the narrative blaming migrants for job losses as “a myth” and “a lie,” arguing that such rhetoric only deepens division among Africans and fuels xenophobia.

    Malema also criticised Ghana’s decision to rapidly evacuate its citizens, saying the move painted all South Africans negatively and reduced opportunities for diplomatic engagement.

    Debate Over Immigration and Unemployment

    South Africa continues to battle one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, with economic inequality, poverty and rising crime remaining major concerns.

    Recent anti-immigrant demonstrations have seen protesters demand that undocumented foreigners leave the country, with some groups linking migrants to crime and pressure on public services.

    However, analysts and rights groups have repeatedly warned against scapegoating migrants for broader structural economic failures, including corruption, weak governance and poor service delivery.

    Malema has consistently opposed xenophobic violence, while maintaining that immigration laws should still be enforced legally and peacefully.

    Social Media Reactions Intensify

    The comments have triggered widespread reactions across social media platforms, with Africans from different countries debating migration, regional unity and economic hardship.

    Some users supported Malema’s position, arguing that African countries should focus on unity and economic cooperation rather than division.

    Others defended tougher immigration enforcement, insisting that South Africa has a right to control illegal migration and protect local jobs.

    The controversy has again highlighted growing tensions between Pan-African ideals promoted under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and frustrations surrounding unemployment and insecurity across the continent.

    Diplomatic Concerns Remain

    Although both Ghanaian and South African officials have condemned violence and called for calm, concerns remain over recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

    Observers say the latest crisis underscores the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation, economic reforms and policies capable of addressing youth unemployment and insecurity across Africa.

    The development also raises fresh questions about how African countries can balance migration policies, economic integration and citizen protection without inflaming ethnic or national tensions.

  • Concerned Fulani Group Rejects US Narrative Linking Ethnic Group to Nigeria’s Insecurity

    The Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria has called on international actors, including the United States, to avoid portraying the Fulani ethnic group as the primary driver of insecurity in Nigeria, warning that such narratives could worsen ethnic tensions and deepen mistrust across communities.

    The group made the appeal in a statement signed by Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, where it criticised what it described as inconsistent external reporting on Nigeria’s security challenges and rejected attempts to generalise criminal activity to an entire ethnic group.

    Group Faults External Security Narratives

    According to the statement, recent international commentary and reports linking Fulani communities to widespread violence and banditry were misleading and dangerous.

    The group argued that earlier assessments had cautioned against ethnic profiling, insisting that newer narratives appeared to contradict those positions and risk inflaming divisions.

    It also referenced past national debates during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when Fulani identity was frequently associated with insecurity discussions, noting that such framing allegedly led to attacks on settlements and loss of property in some communities.

    Claims of Historical and Regional Context

    The group maintained that many Fulani families in states such as Benue, Plateau, and Taraba have lived in those areas for generations and should not be treated as outsiders or automatically linked to criminal activity.

    It stressed that conflicts involving herders and farmers are often driven by complex factors, including land use disputes, environmental pressures, and local political tensions, rather than ethnicity alone.

    The statement also dismissed reports attributed to international organisations that allegedly referenced “Fulani militants,” describing such claims as unfair stereotyping that could escalate existing tensions.

    Insecurity Not Linked to One Group, Says Statement

    The group insisted that Nigeria’s insecurity landscape is multi-layered and involves different actors, including bandit groups, terrorist organisations, separatist movements, and communal clashes across various regions.

    It argued that no single ethnic or religious group should be held responsible for the country’s broader security challenges.

    Call for Responsible Reporting and Unity

    The statement urged international partners and Nigerian authorities to prioritise evidence-based reporting and avoid narratives that could undermine national cohesion.

    It warned that ethnic scapegoating and divisive framing would only deepen mistrust at a time when stronger unity is needed to address insecurity.

    The group concluded that Nigeria’s stability depends on fairness in reporting and a collective commitment to national integration rather than ethnic blame.

  • NELFUND Denies Suspending ₦20,000 Student Upkeep Allowance

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed viral claims suggesting that student upkeep allowances under its scheme have been suspended, describing the reports as false and misleading.

    In a statement released by the agency, NELFUND condemned the circulation of what it described as a fabricated newspaper front page and fake letter alleging that upkeep payments had been stopped.

    NELFUND Rejects Viral Claims

    According to the agency, the documents being circulated online were completely fake and did not originate from the Fund.

    NELFUND also disclosed that The Nigerian Tribune, whose name and identity were allegedly used in the fake publication, confirmed that the front page was fabricated.

    The agency urged students and members of the public to disregard the reports and rely only on verified communication channels for official updates.

    ₦20,000 Monthly Stipend Still Active

    NELFUND currently provides interest-free loans to eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students, including a monthly upkeep allowance of ₦20,000.

    The Fund stated that the programme remains active and continues to support students across the country despite the false reports circulating online.

    According to the agency, more than 1.5 million Nigerian students are currently benefiting from the scheme nationwide.

    Agency Confirms ₦98 Billion Disbursement

    The Fund further disclosed that it has continued to process and disburse payments to beneficiaries, with recent disbursements reportedly exceeding ₦98 billion.

    NELFUND admitted that some students may experience delays due to technical and processing challenges but insisted that applications and payments have not been suspended.

    The agency appealed to students to remain patient while efforts continue to resolve outstanding technical issues affecting some beneficiaries.

    Students Asked To Follow Official Channels

    NELFUND advised students awaiting payments or updates to continue monitoring its official portal and verified communication platforms for accurate information.

    The agency also warned against spreading unverified reports capable of causing confusion among applicants and beneficiaries.

    The controversy comes amid growing public attention on Nigeria’s student loan scheme, which was introduced to improve access to higher education financing for students across tertiary institutions.

  • ₦120m Wristwatch, Wedding Ring Allegedly Stolen from Ex-Skye Bank Chairman in Kuje Prison Raid

    Former Skye Bank Plc Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, has allegedly been dispossessed of his wedding ring and a wristwatch worth over ₦120 million during a reported raid at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, with suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, also said to have lost ₦2 million in the same operation.

    Alleged Prison Raid Sparks Controversy

    According to SaharaReporters, insiders within the correctional facility claimed the incident occurred during a search operation carried out by senior officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The operation was reportedly described by authorities as routine but allegedly resulted in the disappearance of valuables belonging to high-profile inmates.

    Sources said the operation was led by the Deputy Controller-General of Operations alongside officers in charge of the Kuje facility, with operatives reportedly accompanied by DSS dogs and wearing bulletproof vests.

    Ayeni, Kyari Allegedly Targeted During Search

    Multiple sources alleged that Ayeni was searched during the exercise and later found to have lost his wedding ring and expensive wristwatch. Kyari, who is also being held at the facility, was reportedly affected, with about ₦2 million allegedly missing from his belongings.

    One source was quoted as saying officers “stormed the yard with DSS dogs and bulletproof vests” and carried out the operation in a manner that caused panic among inmates.

    Inmates Raise Alarm Over Conduct of Officers

    The alleged operation reportedly triggered tension within the correctional centre, with inmates accusing officers of intimidation and misconduct. Some claims suggested that cash and valuables were taken without proper documentation, although these allegations remain unverified.

    Another insider said Ayeni was considering filing an official petition over the incident, alleging that his valuables were not accounted for after the search operation.

    Authorities Yet to Confirm Allegations

    As of filing this report, the Nigerian Correctional Service had not issued an official statement responding to the allegations, and the claims remain unverified. However, the development has again drawn attention to longstanding concerns about security, accountability, and welfare conditions within the Kuje Correctional Centre.

    The facility has previously faced scrutiny over security breaches and allegations involving high-profile detainees, adding fresh weight to the latest claims.

    Ongoing Legal and Institutional Spotlight

    Ayeni, a former banking executive, is currently standing trial over alleged fraud involving ₦15.7 billion, while Abba Kyari is facing separate charges linked to drug-related offences and other allegations.

    The incident continues to raise questions about prison oversight, transparency in custodial operations, and the treatment of inmates awaiting trial.

     

  • Iyaloja-General Threatens Protest Over APC Lagos Primaries Dispute

    The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, has threatened a protest over the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State, alleging irregularities and factional bias in the process.

    The warning was issued on Wednesday during a meeting with market leaders in Alausa, Ikeja, where she accused party stakeholders of manipulating the process in favour of a particular bloc.

    Iyaloja-General Rejects Lagos APC Primary Results

    Tinubu-Ojo specifically faulted the outcome of the APC primaries in Mushin Federal Constituency 2, Agege Constituency 2 and Ojokoro constituencies, insisting that the results did not reflect the true outcome of the contests.

    She alleged that the exercise was influenced by internal party divisions, particularly between the Justice Forum and Mandate Group within the Lagos APC structure.

    The Lagos State APC had earlier released its list of candidates for the House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly elections, with 24 House of Reps candidates and 40 Assembly candidates emerging from the primaries.

    Calls for Urgent Party Review

    Tinubu-Ojo urged APC leadership at both state and national levels to investigate the disputed primaries before final ratification of the results.

    She warned that failure to address the grievances could worsen internal tensions and deepen divisions within the ruling party in Lagos State.

    According to her, “We are ready to protest because of Seye Oladejo of Mushin Federal Constituency 02, Mutiu Olaide Oladeebo of Agege 2 constituency, Olotu Ojo of Ojokoro constituency, because we know they won this election. Their mandate should not be given to somebody else.”

    She added that rising factional influence within the party was undermining unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Factional Politics in APC Lagos

    Tinubu-Ojo also criticised what she described as increasing alignment of party members with the Justice Forum due to perceived political advantage, warning that such developments could weaken internal democracy.

    She said, “We have to cry out now. Let APC cancel Justice and Mandate Forums. We are one family. We are for APC.”

    She further stressed that leadership must ensure fairness across all factions, noting that political office holders must carry all stakeholders along once elected.

    Market Women Reaffirm Support

    The Iyaloja-General reaffirmed the support of market women across Lagos for APC candidates while insisting that traders deserve greater recognition and inclusion in governance and political appointments.

    The dispute adds to ongoing tensions within the Lagos APC over primaries and factional loyalty ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Abuja Motorist Confronts Herdsman Over Cows Blocking Express Road Amid Insecurity Claims

    A heated exchange broke out in Abuja after a commuter confronted a herdsman whose cattle were blocking movement on a busy express road, a situation captured in a viral video now circulating online.

    The incident, which occurred along a major route in the Federal Capital Territory, shows the motorist recording the obstruction before being approached by the herdsman in a tense confrontation.

    Cows Disrupt Movement on Busy Abuja Road

    The commuter was driving when he came across a herd of cows occupying part of the expressway, causing traffic disruption and slowing down movement along the road.

    He began recording the scene as vehicles lined up behind the cattle, drawing attention to the obstruction on the busy route.

    The situation escalated when the herdsman approached the vehicle and challenged him over the recording.

    “You Can Film Me, Not My Cows” — Herdsman Insists

    In the video, the herdsman ordered the motorist to stop filming the cattle, insisting that while he could be recorded, the animals should not be.

    “You can film me but you cannot film my cows,” he said during the confrontation.

    He also questioned why the driver was focusing on the animals instead of allowing him to move them off the road.

    Insecurity Blamed for Roadside Grazing

    When asked why the cattle were not taken into the bush, the herdsman attributed the situation to insecurity, claiming that forests had become unsafe due to armed bandits.

    He said herders were now forced to move cattle along public roads because grazing areas were no longer safe.

    He maintained that the situation was beyond his control, citing the absence of security in rural grazing environments.

    Public Reaction to Viral Video

    The video has sparked mixed reactions online, with some users criticising the disruption of traffic on a major expressway, while others pointed to insecurity as a driving factor behind the movement of cattle on public roads.

    The incident adds to ongoing national conversations around road safety, livestock movement, and insecurity-linked displacement of rural activities.

    Authorities have yet to issue an official response as the video continues to spread online, raising renewed questions about regulation and enforcement on public highways.