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  • Take-It-Back Movement Protests Kidnapping of Oyo Schoolchildren in Ibadan

    Members of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday staged a protest at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the kidnapping of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

    The protesters, who gathered at the busy junction in the state capital, called on government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the safe rescue of the abducted victims.

    They also demanded urgent action to address the rising wave of kidnappings across Oyo State and improve security in vulnerable communities.

    The demonstration disrupted normal activity around the area as participants carried placards and chanted solidarity messages.

    Further details are expected as the situation develops.

    Watch the video below:

  • 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.

  • NiDCOM Issues Fresh Warning as Anti-Foreigner Protests Escalate in South Africa

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has warned Nigerians living in South Africa to exercise caution following a surge in violent anti-foreigner protests across several cities, raising fresh concerns over safety.

    Violence spreads across major cities

    The advisory follows a communication from the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, which reported that protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent.

    According to the April 22 circular, the unrest has led to looting, destruction of property, and injuries, with fears that the situation could worsen.

    The consulate also warned that more protests are expected in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29.

    NiDCOM urges caution, avoidance of protest areas

    In response, NiDCOM advised Nigerians to avoid protest zones, steer clear of confrontations, and stay updated through credible local media.

    The commission stressed the need for Nigerians to remain law-abiding while the situation unfolds.

    Business owners told to shut down temporarily

    Nigerian business owners were specifically urged to close shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and possibly extend the shutdown until April 29.

    The warning follows concerns that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such protests.

    Diplomatic efforts underway

    NiDCOM reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the consulate remains operational and is working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

    Meanwhile, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is reportedly engaging her South African counterpart in diplomatic talks aimed at resolving the situation.

    The commission reiterated its commitment to Nigerians in the diaspora, urging continued vigilance as developments unfold.

  • Angry Plateau Residents Attack Soldiers, Burn Military Checkpoint After Burial of Slain Villager

    Tension escalated in Plateau State as angry residents of Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area attacked soldiers and set a military checkpoint ablaze following the burial of a resident reportedly killed by gunmen.

    Mob storms checkpoint after burial

    The incident occurred late Sunday night at Rapung Kassa, where a crowd of youths and women stormed a military checkpoint, destroying structures and equipment used by troops stationed in the area.

    The protest was triggered by the burial of Gyang Nuhu Choji, who was reportedly killed on April 16 by suspected armed attackers.

    Residents accused security operatives of failing to prevent repeated attacks, insisting that the presence of troops had not translated into adequate protection.

    Roads blocked, movement disrupted

    During the protest, the mob blocked access roads, disrupting movement in and out of the community.

    The situation was later brought under control after intervention by local leaders and security officials, who assured residents of renewed efforts to address insecurity.

    Security sources confirmed that no casualties were recorded during the attack, while patrol and surveillance operations have since been intensified.

    Rising violence in Barkin Ladi axis

    The latest unrest comes amid a pattern of violent incidents across Barkin Ladi and neighbouring areas involving armed groups, bandits, and local militias.

    Recent operations by security forces included raids on suspected camps, recovery of rustled cattle, and arrests of individuals linked to violent attacks.

    Troops also intercepted suspected militia members and recovered weapons, motorcycles, and ammunition in separate operations within the area.

    Clashes, arrests and reprisals

    Security reports indicate ongoing clashes between troops and armed groups, including a recent gun battle in which several attackers were killed.

    Authorities also confirmed arrests of suspected militia members linked to targeted killings, alongside incidents of cattle rustling and alleged poisoning of livestock in nearby communities.

    The developments highlight growing tensions in the region, with repeated attacks and reprisals raising fresh concerns over security in Plateau communities.