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Tag: Oyo State

  • Davido Speaks on Oyo School Abduction, Says ‘There’s No Image to Protect if Children Are Being Kidnapped’

    Afrobeats star Davido has spoken out over the prolonged abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, saying Nigeria cannot focus on protecting its international image while innocent children remain in the hands of kidnappers.

    Singer condemns silence over insecurity

    Speaking during an interview with the BBC’s Focus on Africa, the music star said the country must confront its security challenges instead of pretending they do not exist.

    “A lot of people don’t really want to talk about what goes on in my country, simply because you want to protect the image. But there is no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped,” Davido said.

    He explained that although he was honoured to perform at the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert, he felt it was important to draw global attention to the plight of the abducted children.

    50 days in captivity

    Davido’s comments relate to the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen abducted about 39 pupils and seven teachers after invading the schools.

    A mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during the attack.

    The victims have now spent about 50 days in captivity, with reports suggesting they are being held within the Old Oyo National Park area as security agencies continue rescue efforts.

    Governor Seyi Makinde has imposed security measures in affected communities and maintained that efforts to secure the victims’ release are ongoing.

    ‘Bring Them Home’ campaign

    Earlier in June, Davido used his appearance at the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles to advocate for the victims.

    He wore a customised black leather jacket bearing the names of the abducted pupils and teachers, with the inscription “BRING THEM HOME” displayed prominently on the back.

    The gesture drew international attention to the incident and reignited conversations about the growing threat of school kidnappings in Nigeria.

    Mixed reactions trail comments

    Davido’s latest remarks have generated widespread reactions online.

    While many Nigerians applauded him for using his global platform to highlight the crisis, others urged caution, arguing that excessive publicity could affect ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release.

    The Oyo State Government and security agencies have continued to assure families that operations to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers remain active.

  • Oyo Govt Denies Paying Ransom for Abducted Schoolchildren, Teachers

    The Oyo State Government has dismissed claims that it paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the allegation as false.

    The government was reacting to claims made by social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who alleged in a viral video that ransom had been paid but the victims were yet to regain their freedom.

    Government rejects ransom claims

    In a statement, the state government insisted that no ransom was paid for the abducted pupils and teachers.

    Officials maintained that security agencies are continuing efforts to rescue the victims, urging residents to disregard unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.

    The government also reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of everyone still in captivity.

    School abduction triggered public outrage

    The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, after heavily armed gunmen attacked schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

    The affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle.

    The attack reportedly claimed the life of one teacher during the invasion, while another teacher was later reported to have died in captivity.

    Protests followed incident

    The abduction sparked protests across the state, including a demonstration led by VeryDarkMan at the residence of Governor Seyi Makinde, where protesters demanded the immediate rescue of the victims and improved security for schools.

    The incident also disrupted academic activities, leading to school closures and an indefinite strike by teachers in some affected communities.

    Security operations continue

    Authorities said security operations have been intensified, with security personnel working to locate the abductors and rescue those still being held.

    The incident has once again drawn attention to the recurring challenge of school abductions in Nigeria, with many calling for stronger measures to protect schools and rural communities from criminal attacks.

  • Sunday Igboho Says Injured Iru Ekun Operatives Have Recovered After Oyo Forest Ambush

    Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, says members of his private security outfit, Iru Ekun, who were injured during an ambush in the Old Oyo National Park have recovered from their wounds.

    Igboho disclosed this in a video shared on Sunday, where he also dismissed rumours about his health and assured supporters that he was safe.

    Igboho reassures supporters

    Addressing his followers, the activist said both he and the injured operatives were in good condition and remained committed to tackling criminal activities in the South-West.

    “I greet you, my fathers and mothers. It’s your son, Sunday Igboho. My brothers and sisters all over the world, today is the 28th of June, 2026. Rumours have been going around, but I’m using this opportunity to tell all my loved ones around the world that I am okay.

    “Those who sustained injuries are now okay. We will not rest until we ensure that those disturbing the peace of our land depart,” he said.

    How the attack happened

    The update follows an attack on members of the Iru Ekun outfit during an operation inside the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.

    The operatives were reportedly tracking suspected kidnappers and armed criminals believed to be operating within the forest reserve when they came under attack.

    Before entering the area, the team was said to have deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal camps and monitor the movement of armed groups.

    Gun battle in the forest

    The operation reportedly turned into a gun battle after heavily armed men, believed to be members of cross-border criminal networks, opened fire on the operatives.

    Several members of the Iru Ekun team sustained injuries during the exchange.

    Despite the incident, Igboho insisted that his security outfit would continue its operations against criminal groups accused of terrorising communities across the South-West.

  • NDLEA Arrests Mexican Drug Expert, Dismantles Major Meth Lab Hidden in Oyo Forest

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine production laboratory concealed inside a forest in Oyo State and arrested five suspects, including a Mexican national allegedly recruited to oversee drug production.

    The facility, located in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, was uncovered during a raid carried out by NDLEA operatives as part of efforts to combat the growing threat of synthetic drug manufacturing in Nigeria.

    Mexican National Among Suspects Arrested

    NDLEA said the operation led to the arrest of Jose Villa Ochoa, a 56-year-old Mexican national described as a methamphetamine production specialist.

    Four Nigerians were also arrested during the raid. They were identified as Maxwell Uche Nevoh, Olatunji Yusuf, Bankole Akeem Owolabi and Ganiu Monsiu.

    According to the agency, the suspects are believed to be members of a transnational drug trafficking network operating between Nigeria and foreign partners.

    Industrial-Scale Drug Facility Uncovered

    The agency described the forest laboratory as a sophisticated operation equipped with industrial-grade machinery and large quantities of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production.

    Items recovered from the site included reactor pots, distillation units, mixers, condensers and several containers holding chemical substances.

    Investigators also discovered large quantities of phenylacetic acid, sulphuric acid, caustic soda and other materials commonly used in the manufacture of synthetic drugs.

    NDLEA Raises Concern Over Foreign Cartels

    Speaking on the operation, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the discovery highlighted attempts by international drug cartels to establish production bases in Nigeria.

    The agency noted that the Oyo forest laboratory was one of the largest clandestine methamphetamine facilities uncovered in recent years.

    Officials warned that Nigeria must not become a hub for synthetic drug production and trafficking.

    Second Major Discovery in Southwest

    The raid comes weeks after another large methamphetamine laboratory linked to foreign suspects was dismantled in Ogun State.

    NDLEA said the two discoveries indicate a worrying trend of criminal groups moving drug production facilities into remote forest locations to avoid detection.

    The agency pledged to intensify surveillance and intelligence operations across the country to disrupt similar networks.

    Investigation Ongoing

    NDLEA said investigations are continuing to identify other members of the syndicate and uncover possible local and international connections.

    The suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.

     

  • Sunday Igboho Issues Ultimatum as Kidnapped Victims Regain Freedom in Oyo Community

    Several kidnapped victims were reportedly released in Igboho, Oyo State, after Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani community leaders in the town.

    The development, which has generated widespread attention, followed a meeting involving traditional rulers, community leaders and Fulani elders at the palace of the Alepata of Igboho.

    Igboho Raises Alarm Over Kidnappings

    According to reports, Igboho expressed concern over rising cases of abduction in the area and accused some individuals within the Fulani community of being linked to criminal activities targeting residents.

    He reportedly cited the case of a pregnant woman who was kidnapped, for whom ransom was allegedly paid, but who was later killed alongside the individual who delivered the ransom.

    During the meeting, Igboho was said to have demanded the immediate release of all victims allegedly being held by kidnappers.

    “Tell your children to release those they are holding. We cannot continue like this,” he reportedly told the gathering.

    Victims Reportedly Released

    Shortly after the expiration of the ultimatum, reports and videos circulating on social media claimed that several kidnapped victims had regained their freedom.

    Residents were seen celebrating in footage shared online, with reports indicating that the victims returned safely to the community.

    The exact number of those released has not been officially confirmed.

    No Official Security Confirmation Yet

    As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued an official statement confirming the releases or providing details on the circumstances surrounding them.

    The development remains based largely on local reports and accounts from residents within the community.

    Growing Security Concerns in Oyo

    The incident comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, particularly following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area in May.

    Those victims remain in captivity, with public pressure mounting on authorities to secure their release.

    Since his return to Nigeria earlier this year, Sunday Igboho has continued to speak out against kidnapping, banditry and other security challenges affecting communities across the South-West.

  • Kidnapped Oyo School Principal Rejects Ransom Claims, Reveals Fresh Demand by Abductors

    A principal abducted during the attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has released a new video from captivity, dismissing reports that the terrorists demanded ransom, vehicles or the implementation of Sharia law for their release.

    Mrs. Alamu, the principal held by the abductors, said in the video that the demands circulating online are false and are complicating efforts to secure their freedom.

    The victims have now spent 24 days in captivity following the attack that led to the abduction of about 45 pupils and teachers.

    Principal Speaks From Captivity

    In the video, Mrs. Alamu said the abductors showed them reports claiming they demanded N1 billion, the implementation of Sharia law and other conditions.

    According to her, the reports do not reflect the actual position of the kidnappers.

    “Today marks the 24th day we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are making our case complicated already. We were shown some print media that these people who abducted us requested a billion naira and requested Sharia to be entrenched in the country. These are not true,” she said.

    She insisted that the abductors were not demanding money, weapons or religious laws.

    “They are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for money, the single thing they are asking for is the release of their people,” she added.

    Appeal Against Politicising Their Situation

    The principal appealed to authorities and the public not to politicise the abduction, warning that misinformation could affect negotiations.

    “They are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for weapons, they are not asking for money, all they are asking for is the release of some people and negotiation. Don’t play politics with our lives,” she said.

    Earlier Reports Linked Demands to Terror Suspects

    The latest video comes days after reports claimed the abductors demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, ransom payments, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related policies.

    According to reports, two of the individuals allegedly being requested are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.

    The suspects are said to be leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a faction that broke away from Boko Haram.

    They were reportedly arrested in 2025 and are currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges.

    Government Yet to Respond

    Authorities have not officially commented on the claims made in the latest video.

    The abduction of the pupils and teachers has continued to generate concern across Oyo State, with families and residents calling for urgent action to secure the release of those still being held.

     

  • Oyo Government Demolishes Building Linked to Adelabu Family Kidnapping Investigation

    The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow in the Lako Community along the Aiyegun–Anaye Road axis of Ibadan over its alleged connection to an ongoing kidnapping investigation in the state.

    The demolition was carried out on Monday by officials of the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

    Property Linked to Kidnapping Probe

    According to the government, the building was identified during investigations into the abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.

    The victims were reportedly kidnapped at Elewura in the Challenge area of Ibadan on June 3, 2026.

    Authorities said the property was allegedly used in connection with the operation being investigated by security agencies.

    Government Moves Against Criminal Hideouts

    The state government said the action is part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State.

    Officials explained that the demolition was intended to disrupt criminal networks and prevent further use of such structures for illegal activities.

    The government also reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies in their operations to rescue victims and apprehend suspects.

    Commitment to Rule of Law

    The government stressed that properties found to be linked to criminal activities will be dealt with in line with lawful procedures where applicable.

    It added that the demolition reflects its broader strategy to strengthen internal security and curb rising cases of abduction in parts of the state.

    The incident comes amid heightened security operations following recent kidnapping cases reported across Ibadan and surrounding communities.

  • Makinde Restricts Night Okada Operations Across Oyo Over Rising Insecurity

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has restricted the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. across the state as part of new security measures to address rising insecurity.

    The directive was announced during a statewide broadcast on Friday, June 5, following growing concerns over recent abductions in Oriire Local Government Area.

    Makinde Introduces Fresh Security Measures

    The governor said the decision was part of broader efforts to strengthen security operations and support ongoing rescue missions aimed at securing the release of abducted teachers and students.

    He assured residents that the state government remained fully committed to ensuring the safe return of the victims.

    “We will not relent until our teachers and children are returned safely home,” Makinde said.

    He added that although details of the rescue operations could not be disclosed, security agencies were actively working to secure the victims.

    “We may not be able to disclose every step being taken because of the sensitive nature of the operations involved… A great deal of work is being done behind the scenes,” he stated.

    Okada Ban to Take Effect Nightly

    Makinde announced that commercial motorcycle operations would be restricted during night hours across the state.

    “With the signing of this Executive Order… the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, will now be restricted between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. throughout Oyo State,” he said.

    He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that security requires collective responsibility.

    “If you see something, say something, and the authorities will do something,” the governor added.

    Insecurity Concerns in Oyo State

    The decision comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers.

    The situation escalated after one of the kidnapped teachers was reportedly killed by the abductors, sparking widespread outrage and protests by teachers and concerned groups across the state.

    A viral video showing one of the abducted school principals appealing for intervention further intensified public pressure on the government to act swiftly.

     

     

  • Fayose Stands By Claim Linking Makinde to Oyo School Kidnap

    Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has reaffirmed his controversial comments suggesting that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde may have questions to answer over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

    Fayose made the remarks during an interview on EKTV, saying he had no regrets over his earlier comments despite the backlash they generated.

    Fayose Refuses to Retract Statement

    Speaking in a mix of English and Yoruba, Fayose said his experience as a former governor informed his position on security matters.

    He maintained that he understood how security challenges should be handled and insisted he was speaking based on his convictions.

    “I stand by what I said about Governor Makinde. I was a Governor too and I handled security issues very well. I used my security very well,” Fayose said.

    His latest comments come days after he alleged that the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area could have been politically motivated.

    Earlier Allegation Against Makinde

    Fayose had made the initial allegation during an interview on Channels Television, where he suggested that the kidnapping incident may have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.

    The former governor argued that the timing of the abduction raised suspicions and questioned whether political interests could be behind the incident.

    His comments generated widespread reactions from political observers and members of the public.

    Tinubu Will Win, Fayose Says

    During the EKTV interview, Fayose also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s political strength ahead of future elections.

    According to him, politicians seeking to remove Tinubu through political tactics should instead wait for the next election cycle.

    “Anyone who wants Tinubu out should wait until we get to the field and let the votes speak. Tinubu will beat them all silly,” he said.

    He added that using security challenges as a political weapon would not produce the desired outcome.

    Kidnap Crisis Continues

    The controversy comes as concerns continue over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    Security agencies have intensified efforts to rescue the victims, while political leaders and stakeholders continue to debate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

  • Oyo Police Deny Reports of Release of Abducted Oriire Pupils, Teachers

    The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports circulating online claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area have regained their freedom.

    The command described the reports as false and misleading, urging residents to disregard the viral claims and rely only on official updates.

    Police dismiss viral claims

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said there was no truth in reports suggesting that the victims had been released by their abductors.

    “Oyo Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the viral messages currently circulating across various social media platforms alleging that the pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota Communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state have been released by their abductors,” the statement read.

    “The Command states unequivocally that the claim is false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated.”

    Rescue efforts ongoing

    More than 40 pupils and teachers were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

    The incident triggered widespread concern across the state and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities.

    According to the police, security agencies remain committed to securing the release of all victims and bringing those responsible to justice.

    “Security operatives are working tirelessly, deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, their unharmed reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of all those responsible for the heinous act,” the statement added.

    Warning against misinformation

    The command cautioned individuals and groups against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic and disrupting ongoing rescue operations.

    Residents were advised to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security efforts while relying only on information released by the Nigeria Police Force and authorised government agencies.

    The police also urged members of the public to avoid sharing unconfirmed reports on social media as efforts continue to secure the safe return of the abducted victims.