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Tag: Insecurity

  • Peter Obi Laments Fresh School Abductions, Says Nigeria Has “Little But Shame” on Children’s Day

    Former Anambra State Governor and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the continued abduction of schoolchildren across Nigeria, describing the situation as a painful stain on the country’s image.

    In a statement shared on his social media page to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Obi said it was heartbreaking that while many nations were celebrating and protecting their children, several Nigerian children remained in captivity.

    “A Nation That Cannot Protect Its Children”

    According to Obi, the continued circulation of photos and videos of abducted children online reflects the country’s failure to guarantee safety for its youngest citizens.

    “A nation that cannot protect its children from criminals has little but shame to present to the global community,” he wrote.

    The former governor lamented that some children have remained missing for weeks, months and even years, while families continue to live in fear and uncertainty.

    He stressed that the situation has turned what should have been a joyful Children’s Day celebration into a period of mourning and anxiety for many Nigerian families.

    Fresh Outrage Over Oyo School Attack

    Obi’s comments come amid outrage over the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen reportedly abducted dozens of pupils and teachers.

    Reports indicate that the attackers invaded schools in the area and forcefully took away students, while one teacher was reportedly killed during the incident.

    The attack triggered widespread reactions across the country, with many Nigerians demanding stronger action from security agencies and the Federal Government.

    Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed intensified rescue efforts, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also condemned the attack and ordered security agencies to act swiftly.

    Growing Concern Over Insecurity

    School abductions have remained a major security concern in Nigeria over the past decade, particularly in northern and some southwestern communities.

    Several schools across affected regions have reportedly tightened security measures or suspended activities due to fears of further attacks.

    Obi said the continued attacks on children and educational institutions raise serious concerns about the country’s future and the safety of vulnerable communities.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Obi’s Statement

    While many Nigerians praised Obi for speaking out and drawing attention to the plight of abducted children, others argued that insecurity has remained a long-standing national challenge beyond any single administration.

    On social media, many users described the situation as unacceptable, insisting that children should never become targets of violence or criminal activities.

    The latest incident has again renewed calls for improved security, intelligence gathering, and better protection for schools across the country.

  • Spyro Questions Silence of Pastors, Imams Over Rising Insecurity in Nigeria

    Nigerian singer Spyro has criticised religious institutions and prominent clerics over what he described as their silence amid worsening insecurity and hardship across the country.

    The artiste shared the emotional message in a video posted online, where he questioned why many churches and mosques continue with normal activities while Nigerians battle fear, violence and uncertainty.

    Spyro Questions Religious Leaders

    According to the singer, religious gatherings should currently focus on addressing the country’s crisis and advocating for citizens rather than holding regular crusades and sermons.

    “Why am I going to church where another message asides what’s happening in the country is being preached,” he said.

    “Any church that is preaching any message different from what is happening in this country and not speaking for the people and speaking to the government, you’re wrong.”

    Spyro also extended the criticism to Muslim leaders.

    “Any mosque speaking about anything different from what is happening in this country, you’re wrong,” he added.

    Calls Out Popular Clerics

    The singer specifically mentioned respected Christian leaders including Enoch Adeboye, David Oyedepo, William Kumuyi and Jerry Eze, asking why they had not publicly spoken more strongly about the insecurity situation.

    He also questioned the silence of influential Muslim clerics and scholars across the country.

    “Where are all the notable men of God in all of this? And for the Muslims, where are your sheikhs? Where are the Alfas?” he asked.

    ‘The Country Is On The Verge Of Collapse’

    Spyro further argued that schools and regular activities should not continue normally while many Nigerians live in fear.

    “Schools are even still opening up, why? This calls for a state of emergency. What is our limit? When are we going to say enough is enough,” he stated.

    The singer concluded by warning that the country was facing a serious crisis that required urgent attention and national unity.

    “Now is not the time to sit around holding crusades and services. The country is on the verge of collapse,” he said.

    The video has since generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians supporting his position while others defended religious leaders, saying many clerics continue to pray and speak privately on national issues.

  • Kunle Remi Laments Rising Insecurity, Says Nigerians Must Not Become Numb To Suffering

    Popular Nollywood actor Kunle Remi has expressed concern over the worsening insecurity across Nigeria, urging citizens not to become emotionally desensitised to the pain and suffering affecting many families.

    The actor shared the emotional message online while reflecting on the growing number of displaced children, parents and communities affected by violence.

    Kunle Remi Speaks On Human Suffering

    According to the movie star, many children are currently forced to sleep in forests under difficult and frightening conditions due to insecurity.

    He also spoke about mothers struggling helplessly to protect their children while families continue to live in fear.

    “As you go to bed tonight, remember there are children sleeping in forests… imagine the cold, the bugs, the fear, the discomfort,” he wrote.

    “Remember there is a mother holding her baby, helpless. Parents praying for safety. Schools living in fear.”

    Questions Ongoing Political Campaigns

    Kunle Remi also questioned why political campaigns and election activities continue normally despite the tragedies happening in different parts of the country.

    The actor criticised what he described as society’s tendency to quickly move on from painful incidents without sustained empathy for victims.

    “And somehow, in the middle of all this… election campaigns and preparations still continue. Bloggers are posting election like everything is normal,” he added.

    ‘May We Never Stop Feeling Compassion’

    The actor concluded by warning Nigerians against becoming emotionally numb to violence and suffering.

    “May we never become so used to tragedy that we stop feeling it,” he stated.

    His comments have since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians agreeing that insecurity and humanitarian suffering deserve more attention and empathy from both leaders and citizens.

  • Borno Govt Shuts School, Relocates Students After Terrorists Abduct 42 Children

    The Borno State Government has ordered the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 42 students and children by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

    The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, during a visit to the affected community on Monday.

    School Relocated Over Security Concerns

    According to a statement issued by Governor Babagana Zulum’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, the school has now been relocated to Government Secondary School, Uba, under the state’s Safe Schools Initiative.

    The government said the relocation became necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff amid worsening security threats in the area.

    “As part of immediate safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, the commissioner directed the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba,” the statement said.

    The state government added that students would continue their education in safer and more secure conditions.

    Government Meets Parents, Community Leaders

    Before arriving in Mussa, the delegation reportedly paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace.

    In Mussa, officials were received by the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted children.

    During an interactive session with parents, Wakilbe conveyed the sympathy of the Borno State Government and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted students safely.

    Details Of The Abduction

    The abduction occurred on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School.

    Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed that the abducted victims included four students from the secondary school section, 28 pupils from the primary school and 10 children taken from nearby homes.

    The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity and repeated attacks on schools in parts of northern Nigeria.

  • High Food Prices, Costly Rams Force Nigerians Into Modest 2026 Sallah Celebration

    As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, many families are scaling down spending as rising food prices, expensive livestock and increasing transportation costs continue to worsen economic hardship.

    Across several major cities, market surveys showed that inflation, insecurity, fuel costs and expensive animal feed have significantly pushed up the prices of rams, goats, rice, tomatoes, pepper and other staple items associated with the Sallah celebration.

    Ram Prices Rise Sharply

    Livestock traders said many customers now visit markets only to check prices without making purchases.

    At Orange Market, trader Musa Ibrahim said the situation has become difficult for buyers.

    According to another trader, Lawal Adamu, rising transportation expenses and insecurity along highways contributed heavily to the increase in livestock prices.

    A roadside livestock seller in Nyanya, identified as Abdullahi, revealed that rams previously sold for around ₦700,000 now cost close to ₦1 million.

    At Zuba Market, the cheapest ram available after bargaining reportedly sold for about ₦275,000, while fully grown male goats sold for around ₦120,000.

    Food Prices Also Surge

    Food traders in Lagos also complained about sharp increases in the prices of tomatoes, pepper, onions, rice and cooking oil.

    A trader at Iyana Oba Market, identified simply as Ashiru, said a basket of tomatoes now sells for about ₦80,000 compared to ₦52,000 or ₦53,000 previously.

    He added that a basket of pepper increased from about ₦15,000 to ₦45,000, while a bag of onions rose from ₦56,000 to ₦90,000.

    Another trader, Mrs Ruth Lawal, explained that a bag of rice that previously sold for ₦52,000 now costs about ₦65,000.

    She also said 25 litres of groundnut oil increased from ₦50,800 to ₦61,200.

    Families Scale Down Celebration Plans

    Some residents admitted they may not be able to afford the traditional Eid sacrifice this year.

    A civil servant, Ibrahim Sani, said some families are now considering joint contributions to buy a ram.

    “People still want to perform the sacrifice because it is spiritually important, but the prices are becoming too high for average earners,” he said.

    Another resident, Taiwo Jimoh, said his family would celebrate with whatever they could afford.

    “We are going to celebrate the festival with whatever we have. I told my children they have to wear what they already have at home,” he said.

    Jimoh urged Nigerians to avoid unnecessary pressure during the festive period and focus on gratitude.

    Calls For Moderate Celebration

    A Lagos-based Brand and Communications Strategist, Abiodun Yakubu, noted that Islamic teachings encourage moderation and celebrations within one’s financial capacity.

    “The focus should now be on gratitude, prayer and togetherness rather than luxury,” he said.

    According to the latest Consumer Price Index released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.69 percent in April 2026 from 15.38 percent recorded in March.

    Although Eid-el-Kabir celebrations are expected to hold nationwide on May 27 and 28, many Nigerians say this year’s Sallah may be more about survival than elaborate festivities.

  • Sunday Igboho Awaits FG Approval To Launch Iru Ekun Security Network In South-West

    Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo has revealed that he is still awaiting approval from the Federal Government to formally begin operations of the Iru Ekun Security Network across the South-West.

    The activist stated that the security outfit was created to support efforts aimed at flushing out kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements from forests and rural communities in the region.

    Igboho Speaks On Security Outfit

    In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, Igboho disclosed that all necessary documentation and procedural requirements had already been submitted to the Federal Government.

    “We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, Iru Ekun Security Network, and are only waiting for the Federal Government approval which will be granted soon,” he stated.

    He added that the outfit is prepared to collaborate with security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Backs Makinde’s Executive Order

    The activist also declared his readiness to comply with Executive Order 001 of 2026 recently signed by Seyi Makinde regulating the activities of private security organisations in Oyo State.

    Makinde signed the order on May 20, saying it became necessary due to rising security challenges and the increasing activities of unregulated security groups across communities.

    According to the governor, the directive is aimed at ensuring that vigilante groups and private security outfits operate within a legal and coordinated framework.

    Commends Tinubu’s Security Efforts

    Igboho further praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the country.

    “It is obvious that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is resolutely committed to tackle criminalities not only in the South-West but also in all other regions plagued by insecurity,” he said.

    Focus On Rural Security

    The activist stressed that peace and security are necessary for economic development, especially in rural communities where farming activities remain critical to food production and livelihoods.

    He maintained that Iru Ekun Security Network is ready to support all lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace across Yorubaland.

  • MASSOB Declares Sit-At-Home, Orders Churches To Hold Memorial Services For Biafra Anniversary

    The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra has directed churches across the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold special memorial and thanksgiving services on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

    The directive was contained in a statement issued by the group’s National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, ahead of the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by former leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.

    MASSOB Declares Sit-At-Home

    The group, led by Uchenna Madu, also reaffirmed its earlier declaration of a sit-at-home exercise on May 30, 2026.

    According to MASSOB, markets, schools, banks, motor parks, and both public and private businesses are expected to remain closed from 6am to 4pm across the affected regions.

    The organisation said the shutdown was intended to honour those who died during the Nigerian civil war.

    “The closure of public places and services on May 30, 2026 are marks of honour, respect and patriotism to our fatherland,” the statement read.

    Churches Asked To Hold Thanksgiving Services

    MASSOB explained that Sunday, May 31, would serve as a day of remembrance and thanksgiving for Biafrans.

    The group, however, stated that there would be no street protests, marches, or public processions during the anniversary activities.

    Calls For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

    The separatist group also demanded the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu, claiming he was being persecuted over his support for Biafra agitation.

    “We demand his immediate release and call for justice for all Biafrans who have been unjustly detained or persecuted,” the statement added.

    Security Deployment Expected

    MASSOB further claimed that heavy deployment of security operatives was expected across major South-East cities during the anniversary period.

    The group insisted that arrests, intimidation, and security operations would not stop the agitation for self-determination in the region.

  • Borno Indigene Alleges ₦3m Payments, Monthly Salaries for “Repentant Boko Haram” After Rehabilitation

    A Borno State indigene, Enoch Yohanna, has sparked fresh controversy after alleging that repentant Boko Haram members are being paid up to ₦3 million after rehabilitation and placed on monthly stipends by the Federal Government.

    Yohanna made the claims during a public event, expressing anger over what he described as the use of taxpayers’ money to compensate individuals linked to violent insurgency in the North-East.

    Allegations Against Rehabilitation Programme

    According to him, individuals who pass through rehabilitation under the government’s deradicalisation framework are reportedly given financial support and monthly allowances after completion of the programme.

    He linked his claims to the Operation Safe Corridor initiative introduced in 2016 under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which focuses on deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former insurgents.

    Yohanna also alleged that different categories of ex-combatants are processed based on their level of involvement in the insurgency.

    Claims On Payments And Reintegration

    In a viral video, he further claimed that rehabilitated individuals receive about ₦50,000 monthly and are integrated into civilian structures, including security-support roles in some communities.

    He also alleged that some of them are deployed to various locations across the country under government supervision after rehabilitation.

    However, these claims remain unverified, and there has been no official confirmation from the Federal Government or security agencies regarding the specific figures mentioned.

    Operation Safe Corridor Background

    Operation Safe Corridor is a federal deradicalisation programme aimed at reintegrating low-risk ex-combatants back into society through education, counselling, and vocational training.

    Authorities have previously maintained that the programme is designed to support peace-building efforts and reduce the cycle of insurgency in the North-East.

    Growing Debate Over Rehabilitation Policy

    The allegations have reignited public debate around Nigeria’s approach to insurgency rehabilitation, with many citizens questioning transparency, accountability, and the long-term impact of reintegration programmes.

    The video of Yohanna’s comments has continued to circulate online, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians.

  • Terrorists Attack Kwara Community, Many Feared Dead As Residents Flee

    Many residents have reportedly been feared dead while several others were abducted after suspected terrorists launched a fresh attack in parts of Kwara State.

    The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday night in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis of Ekiti Local Government Area, throwing residents into panic.

    Residents Flee As Gunmen Invade Community

    According to local sources, the attackers stormed the communities heavily armed and operated for hours without immediate resistance.

    Sources told journalists that several residents were injured during the invasion, while many others were allegedly kidnapped.

    “Yes, it is true but the exact numbers of the people kidnapped, injured and killed have yet to be confirmed,” a source reportedly said.

    Another resident described the incident as chaotic, saying villagers woke up to heavy gunfire and screaming.

    “The shooting was heavy. Everybody ran. We don’t even know who is alive or missing now,” the source added.

    Fear Grows Across Kwara South

    The latest attack has intensified fear across communities in Kwara South, where residents have repeatedly complained about rising insecurity and frequent raids by armed groups.

    Many locals say farming activities and movement across villages have become increasingly dangerous due to kidnappings and violent attacks.

    The development has also renewed concerns over the growing spread of terrorist and bandit activities into parts of the North-Central region.

    Residents Demand Urgent Security Intervention

    Following the attack, residents and community leaders reportedly called on security agencies and the government to urgently strengthen security presence in the area.

    As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to officially confirm the casualty figures or issue a detailed statement regarding the incident.

  • “I Never Supported Bandits” — Sheikh Gumi Rejects Viral Videos, Threatens Legal Action

    Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has denied allegations linking him to statements supporting banditry, insisting that viral videos and messages circulating online about him were doctored and manipulated.

    The prominent Islamic cleric made the clarification in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page amid renewed criticism over his past comments on insecurity in Nigeria.

    “I Never Supported Banditry”

    Gumi rejected claims suggesting he had ever defended or justified criminal activities carried out by armed groups across the country.

    According to him, certain individuals and groups were deliberately twisting his interviews and public comments to push false narratives against him.

    “I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he stated.

    Cleric Claims Videos Were Manipulated

    The cleric further alleged that some online content creators and ethnic-interest groups were spreading misleading content using sensational headlines for attention.

    He urged Nigerians, security agencies and the media to disregard the materials currently circulating online.

    “I therefore urge the general public, the media, and the Nigerian state to disregard such fake, manipulated, and doctored materials currently in circulation,” he added.

    Gumi also warned that individuals responsible for spreading such claims could face legal consequences.

    Calls for Peace and Healing

    While reacting to the controversy, the cleric expressed sympathy for victims of violence and insecurity across the country.

    He also called for national healing and collective efforts toward ending insecurity in Nigeria.

    “I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he said.

    The statement has continued to generate reactions online, with Nigerians divided over the cleric’s comments and longstanding involvement in discussions around insecurity in northern Nigeria.