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  • NMA Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum Over Abducted Abia Doctor, Threatens Indefinite Strike

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State branch, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies and the governments of Abia and Imo States to secure the immediate release of abducted orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Bonaventure Aguocha, warning of an indefinite strike if action is not taken.

    The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting held in Umuahia and made available on Monday.

    Doctors Demand Immediate Action

    The association said Dr. Aguocha, a former chairman of the Abia NMA, was abducted on May 24 while travelling to Umuahia from Imo State.

    It described him as a respected medical professional who has contributed significantly to healthcare delivery in both states.

    The communiqué was signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Ezenwa Ezuruike, and Secretary, Dr. Clement Ifenkoronye.

    Strike Threat Over Abduction

    The association warned that failure to secure his release within 24 hours would lead to a total and indefinite strike in Abia State beginning 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2.

    It said the decision became necessary due to what it described as the continued targeting of medical professionals by criminal groups.

    “Doctors have increasingly become targets of assault, harassment, intimidation and abduction by criminal elements,” the communiqué stated.

    Call for Security Intervention

    The NMA called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, and police commissioners in Abia and Imo States to intensify efforts toward securing the doctor’s release.

    It also urged the governors of both states to mobilise all available resources to ensure his safe return.

    The association warned that failure to act swiftly could undermine confidence among healthcare workers and disrupt medical services across the region.

  • Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Abducted Ogbomoso Pupils, Teachers

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to begin an indefinite strike following the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.

    The strike, which takes effect from Monday, June 1, 2026, is expected to shut down public schools across the state until all the victims regain their freedom.

    NUT Takes Drastic Action

    In a statement jointly signed by NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, and Secretary General, Dr. Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union said the decision became necessary due to the prolonged captivity of the victims.

    The union expressed concern that despite several appeals to government authorities and security agencies, there has been no significant breakthrough in securing the release of the abducted teachers and students.

    According to the NUT, schools, teachers and pupils should never become easy targets for criminal elements.

    Nationwide Solidarity Protests Planned

    Beyond the strike action in Oyo State, the union also directed all its state chapters across Nigeria to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2.

    The protests are expected to take place in different states, with participants marching to Government Houses to demand urgent intervention and the safe return of the victims.

    The union said the demonstrations are intended to draw national attention to the worsening security situation affecting schools and educational institutions.

    Fear Grows Over Victims’ Welfare

    The NUT disclosed that anxiety has continued to grow following reports suggesting that some of the abducted victims may have died in captivity.

    The union also referenced videos reportedly released by the kidnappers, showing an abducted school principal and teacher appealing to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the NUT and Nigerians for urgent intervention.

    The emotional footage has sparked widespread concern among teachers, parents and education stakeholders.

    Education Cannot Thrive Under Fear

    The union maintained that the trauma suffered by the victims, their families and the wider education community made the strike unavoidable.

    It called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the unconditional release of all those still being held captive.

    The NUT stressed that meaningful education cannot take place in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, vowing to sustain lawful pressure until the abducted teachers and pupils are freed.

  • Air Peace Breaks Silence on Gatwick Chaos, Blames Bird Strike for Flight Cancellation

    Air Peace has responded to backlash over its disrupted London to Lagos flight, stating that a bird strike forced the cancellation and grounding of the aircraft for safety checks.

    Airline reacts to viral claims

    The airline issued a statement addressing a viral video that alleged passengers were stranded without communication or care.

    Air Peace said the claims did not fully reflect the situation, stressing that safety considerations guided its actions.

    Bird strike forced cancellation

    According to the airline, the aircraft experienced a bird strike on May 1, requiring immediate suspension of the flight.

    It described the incident as a “force majeure” event that demanded comprehensive safety inspections before any operation could continue.

    “Safety is not negotiable… we would not operate an aircraft without the required clearance,” the airline said.

    Passengers informed, accommodation arranged

    Air Peace stated that passengers were informed of the disruption and that hotel accommodation was arranged at Hilton London Gatwick.

    It added that transit support was also provided while alternative flight plans were being organised.

    Delays linked to airport operations

    The airline explained that delays in moving some passengers were caused by airport congestion and slow baggage handling by ground service providers.

    It noted that baggage processes at international airports are handled by independent companies, not the airline directly.

    Denies abandoning travellers

    Air Peace insisted that passengers were not abandoned at any point, maintaining that communication was ongoing throughout the disruption.

    It said many affected passengers had already been accommodated while arrangements for new flights were in progress.

    The airline acknowledged the inconvenience caused but reaffirmed its commitment to safety and improved service delivery during disruptions.

  • FG Backs Down as Resident Doctors Suspend Planned Strike Over Allowances

    The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite strike after the Federal Government reversed its position on allowances and pledged to meet key financial demands.

    Allowance Reversal Calms Tension

    The decision followed a major shift by the government on the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), which had earlier triggered outrage among doctors.

    NARD confirmed that the reversal would take effect immediately, with implementation expected to reflect in April salaries and continue in subsequent payments.

    “The NEC observed that the earlier decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) has been reversed, with implementation expected to reflect in the April salary and beyond,” the association stated.

    High-Level Talks Break Deadlock

    The breakthrough came after a series of engagements between the doctors’ body and top government officials.

    NARD said discussions involved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other key stakeholders in the health sector.

    The meetings helped ease tensions that had been building over unpaid allowances and welfare concerns.

    Arrears and Training Fund in Focus

    Beyond the allowance reversal, the government also committed to settling outstanding salary arrears owed to resident doctors.

    According to NARD, the Budget Office has already indicated readiness to begin payment of the nineteen months’ arrears tied to the Professional Allowance.

    The association added that steps are also underway to commence the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, a critical support scheme for doctors in training.

    Strike Suspended, Monitoring Continues

    While the strike has been suspended, NARD signalled that it will continue to monitor the government’s compliance with the agreements reached.

    The association maintained that full implementation of the promises will determine its next line of action.

     

  • NASU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over 40% Allowance Demand, Rejects FG’s 30% Offer

    The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 30 percent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance for its members, warning of a nationwide strike if its demand for 40 percent is not met by May 1.

    Union insists on parity with ASUU

    NASU leaders say the government’s offer falls short, especially after reports that academic staff received a 40 percent increment.

    Speaking at a trade group council meeting held at Lagos State University on Thursday, NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, insisted that non-academic staff deserve equal treatment.

    “The simple thing is to conclude the agreement and give 40 per cent to non-teaching staff… If anything contrary is done, we will shut down the system,” he said.

    Strike warning as deadline approaches

    Adeyemi warned that failure to meet the union’s demand before the deadline would leave NASU with no choice but to embark on industrial action.

    He stressed that non-academic staff are essential to the functioning of universities and cannot be ignored in welfare negotiations.

    “We respect our academic colleagues, but they cannot operate without us being on duty,” he added.

    Concerns over delayed agreement

    NASU National President, Hassan Makolo, expressed concern over the prolonged renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and university unions.

    He said workers’ expectations have grown amid worsening economic conditions.

    “Our members are becoming increasingly frustrated because the outcome of the renegotiation is expected to improve their welfare,” Makolo said.

    Wider education sector warning

    NASU Deputy President, Buhari Suleiman, also urged the government to address deeper challenges in the education sector, including poor funding, insecurity, and infrastructure decay.

    He warned that continued neglect could further weaken the system, calling for urgent reforms to stabilise the sector.

    The development adds fresh tension to Nigeria’s education system and is gaining attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as unions continue pressure on government over welfare demands.