Hundreds of concerned residents, civil society groups, parents, and community leaders on Monday marched to the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, demanding urgent action to secure the release of school pupils and teachers abducted by suspected kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Children,” “Save Our Teachers,” and “Enough of Insecurity in Oyo State,” called on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims and ensuring their safe return.

The demonstration, which attracted participants from different parts of the state, was marked by peaceful processions and passionate appeals to the government to act swiftly in addressing the growing security concerns in affected communities.

Speaking during the protest, some parents of the abducted pupils expressed deep anxiety over the uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of their children, urging authorities not to relent in ongoing rescue operations. They appealed to security agencies to deploy all available resources to secure the release of the victims without delay.

Community leaders and civil society activists who joined the march also emphasized the need for stronger security measures across rural communities and schools to prevent future incidents. They called for increased surveillance, intelligence gathering, and collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

The protesters further urged both the federal and state governments to prioritize the safety of school children and teachers, noting that attacks on educational institutions threaten the future of the nation’s younger generation.

Receiving the protesters at the Government House, representatives of the Oyo State Government assured them that the administration was committed to securing the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers. They reiterated that Governor Seyi Makinde had directed security agencies to intensify efforts and utilize all available mechanisms to rescue the victims.

The government also appealed for calm and cooperation from members of the public, assuring residents that security agencies were working round the clock to ensure a positive outcome.

The abduction has continued to generate widespread concern across Oyo State, with residents, religious leaders, professional groups, and other stakeholders calling for decisive action to address insecurity and protect lives and property.

As of the time of filing this report, security operations aimed at rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers were ongoing, while residents remained hopeful for their safe and immediate return.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that a proposed minimum wage of N100,000 is grossly inadequate to meet the current economic realities facing Nigerian workers, insisting that employees deserve as much as N1 million monthly to cope with the rising cost of living.

Speaking amid ongoing debates over workers’ welfare and wage adjustments, labour leaders argued that inflation, soaring food prices, transportation costs, housing expenses, and the continuous depreciation of the naira have significantly eroded the purchasing power of workers across the country.

According to the NLC, the current economic situation has made it increasingly difficult for workers to provide for their families, pay school fees, access quality healthcare, and meet other basic needs. The union maintained that any wage structure that fails to reflect prevailing economic conditions would only worsen the hardship being experienced by millions of Nigerians.

Labour representatives noted that while some state governors have suggested a minimum wage of N100,000, such an amount can no longer guarantee a decent standard of living for workers. They stressed that the figure falls far below what is required to sustain an average Nigerian household under current market conditions.

The NLC reiterated its long-standing position that workers should receive wages that reflect the true cost of living and ensure dignity in labour. The union emphasized that discussions on wage reviews should focus on improving workers’ welfare rather than merely meeting minimum legal requirements.

The labour body also urged the Federal Government, state governments, and employers in both the public and private sectors to prioritize policies that protect workers from the impact of inflation and economic hardship.

The call comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising prices of food items, transportation, electricity, and other essential services, fueling renewed demands for improved wages and better working conditions across the country.

The NLC maintained that ensuring fair compensation for workers remains critical to boosting productivity, economic growth, and social stability, adding that Nigerian workers deserve wages that adequately reflect their contributions to national development.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of immediate measures to strengthen security following recent abduction of students and teachers in the state.

The development was disclosed on Sunday, May 31, during the visit of a high-powered federal government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.

The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, informed community leaders and lawmakers that requests for the establishment of a military base in the area would be transmitted to the President for consideration and approval.

Gbajabiamila also disclosed that President Tinubu had directed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely. He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.

Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.

Mr. President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims,” he said

House of Representatives candidate for Oyo Federal Constituency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Busari Basit Babatunde, has congratulated residents of Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West Local Government Areas in Oyo State on the commencement of a new month while also extending warm greetings to Muslim faithful on the successful celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.

In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, Busari expressed appreciation to Muslims for their prayers, sacrifices, and commitment to peaceful coexistence during the Ileya festival.

“As we enter the month of June, I wish all our people joy, good health, prosperity, and progress. I also congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the successful celebration of Eid-el-Kabir. The values of sacrifice, compassion, and service associated with the festival are virtues we must continue to uphold as a people,” he said.

The Federal House of Representatives candidate, however, expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and staff abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School, describing the situation as painful and unacceptable.

According to him, the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the fate of the victims has left families, communities, and well-meaning Nigerians deeply worried.

“It is troubling that days after the unfortunate attack that led to the tragic loss of lives and the abduction of pupils and school staff, most of the victims are still being held by their abductors. Every child deserves to feel safe in school, and every parent deserves the assurance that their children can pursue education without fear.”

Busari called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate release of all those still in captivity and ensuring that those responsible for the attack are apprehended.

He further urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting lawful efforts aimed at improving security across communities in Oyo State.

“The safety of our children must remain a priority. We must continue to work towards a society where schools are places of learning and development, not centres of fear and insecurity. My thoughts and prayers remain with the affected families, and I sincerely hope for the safe return of every victim,” he added.

He also wished residents a peaceful and productive month, urging them to remain hopeful and committed to the collective development of Oyo Federal Constituency.

The Oyo State chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has distanced itself from the indefinite strike action declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the association said private schools across Oyo State would remain open for academic activities, stressing that the strike directive was issued by the NUT and does not extend to members of NAPPS.

The association expressed sympathy with the families of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply troubling. However, it maintained that shutting down private schools across the state would not be the most effective way to address the security challenge.

NAPPS urged government at all levels and security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the safe and unconditional release of the victims while strengthening security around schools and communities vulnerable to attacks.

The association also warned private school administrators, teachers, and other staff members against participating in any protest or strike action under the banner of the NUT, emphasizing that private schools operate under a different structure and are not bound by directives issued by the teachers’ union.

According to the association, private schools have a responsibility to ensure continuity in learning and academic activities while supporting lawful efforts aimed at improving security in the education sector.

NAPPS further appealed to parents and guardians to remain calm, assuring them that private schools in the state would continue to prioritize the safety and welfare of pupils through existing security measures and collaboration with relevant authorities.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by the NUT over the safety of teachers and students, the association called for constructive engagement with government and security agencies rather than actions that could disrupt the education of thousands of learners across the state.

The body reiterated its commitment to quality education and a safe learning environment, urging all stakeholders to work together to prevent future attacks on schools and ensure that educational institutions remain secure.

The association concluded by reaffirming that all private schools under its umbrella in Oyo State are expected to remain open and fully operational, while continuing to monitor developments surrounding the abduction and ongoing rescue efforts.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike for teachers in Oyo State and directed its branches across the country to embark on solidarity rallies following the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The decision was announced by the national leadership of the union amid growing concerns over the continued captivity of the victims who were abducted during attacks on schools in the Oriire area on May 15, 2026.

According to a circular jointly signed by NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, and Secretary General, Dr. Clinton J. Ikpitibo, all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State have been directed to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning from June 1, 2026, until the abducted teachers and students regain their freedom.

The union also instructed its state chapters nationwide to organize solidarity rallies on June 2 to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the victims and draw attention to the worsening insecurity facing schools across Nigeria.

NUT expressed concern that despite repeated appeals to government authorities and security agencies, the abducted teachers and learners remain in captivity, creating fear and anxiety among educators, parents, and communities.

The union described the prolonged captivity of the victims as unacceptable, stressing that teachers cannot continue to work under conditions where their safety and that of their students are not guaranteed.

Reports indicate that dozens of students and several teachers were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has triggered protests and widespread condemnation across Oyo State and beyond.

NUT maintained that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and urged the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted victims.

The union further vowed to continue lawful advocacy and engagement until the teachers and students are rescued and reunited with their families.

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has emerged as the preferred presidential candidate of the Accord Party following the successful conduct of the party’s affirmation primaries held across several states of the federation.

The exercise, which recorded a massive turnout of party members and supporters, saw Dr. Hashim secure overwhelming affirmative votes, affirming his position as the party’s standard-bearer for the forthcoming presidential election.

Although he was unopposed going into the primaries, the exercise was conducted to allow party faithful to formally endorse his candidature through a democratic affirmation process.

Results received from participating states as of the time of filing this report showed that Hashim garnered a total of 423,902 affirmative votes.

A breakdown of the votes indicated that Jigawa State recorded the highest figure with 198,200 votes, followed by Kano State with 124,101 votes. Nasarawa State delivered 47,309 votes, while Kebbi State returned 46,852 votes.
Other results showed that Kwara State contributed 3,348 votes, while Lagos State recorded 4,548 affirmative votes in support of the candidate.

Party officials described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and reflective of the confidence members have in Olawepo-Hashim’s leadership and vision for the country.

Speaking after the exercise, supporters hailed the outcome as a strong signal of the party’s readiness to mobilise nationwide ahead of the general election, expressing optimism that the Accord Party would offer Nigerians a credible alternative.

They further described Hashim as a bridge builder capable of healing national divisions across North and South, as well as a unifier across religious lines, noting that his emergence represents a potential platform for reconciliation and national cohesion in a politically fragmented country.

The Council of Fulani Leaders has distanced its members from the growing cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities reported across the Southwest region, insisting that law-abiding Fulani communities should not be unfairly profiled or blamed for crimes committed by individuals.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting, the leadership of the council maintained that the vast majority of Fulani residents in the Southwest are peaceful citizens engaged in legitimate businesses, particularly cattle rearing, farming, and trade.

The council expressed concern over what it described as increasing stigmatization of Fulani communities whenever incidents of kidnapping occur, noting that such generalizations could fuel ethnic tension and undermine efforts to address insecurity.

According to the group’s spokesperson, criminality has no ethnic identity, stressing that security agencies should focus on identifying and prosecuting offenders based on evidence rather than associating crimes with any particular ethnic group.

“We condemn kidnapping and all forms of criminality in the strongest terms. Our people are not involved in these activities, and we remain committed to supporting security agencies in their efforts to ensure peace and security across the Southwest,” the spokesperson said.

The council further disclosed that it has consistently encouraged its members to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by providing useful information that could aid investigations and help apprehend criminal elements operating within various communities.

While acknowledging the security challenges facing parts of the country, the Fulani leaders called on government at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives to effectively tackle kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.

The group also appealed to residents of the Southwest to continue fostering peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups, emphasizing that unity and collaboration remain critical to overcoming insecurity.

The statement comes amid renewed public concern over incidents of kidnapping in parts of the Southwest, with security agencies intensifying efforts to track down perpetrators and ensure the safety of residents.

The council reiterated its commitment to peace, national unity, and constructive engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies in promoting security and harmonious relations across the region.

A high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday visited Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to commiserate with families of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen and to assess ongoing rescue efforts.

The delegation’s visit comes amid growing concern over the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire, an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for urgent action by security agencies.

Addressing community leaders, parents, and residents during the visit, Ribadu assured the affected families that the Federal Government was fully committed to securing the safe and unconditional release of all the victims.

He emphasized that security agencies were working round the clock, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government and local authorities, to ensure a successful rescue operation without jeopardizing the lives of the abducted children and teachers.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been receiving regular briefings on the situation and has directed all relevant security agencies to intensify efforts toward bringing the victims home safely.

Gbajabiamila also conveyed the President’s sympathy to the affected families, assuring them that the Federal Government would not relent until every abducted pupil and teacher was reunited with their loved ones.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid rescue operations.

The delegation met with community leaders, traditional rulers, security officials, and representatives of the affected schools, where they received updates on the incident and ongoing efforts to secure the release of the captives.

The visit followed a similar assurance by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who recently met with families of the victims and pledged that all available resources were being deployed to ensure their safe return. The governor stressed the need for caution and unity, warning against actions that could endanger the lives of those in captivity.

Meanwhile, parents and community members appealed to both the Federal and Oyo State Governments to expedite rescue efforts, expressing fears over the welfare and safety of the abducted children, some of whom are of very tender ages.

The Federal Government reiterated its determination to tackle insecurity across the country and assured Nigerians that those responsible for the abduction would be apprehended and brought to justice.

The abduction, which involved several pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, has attracted condemnation from various stakeholders, including education groups, religious organizations, and civil society bodies, all of whom have called for the immediate release of the victims.

Governor Seyi Makinde has reassured the families of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State that his administration is making every possible effort to secure their safe release.

The governor gave the assurance amid growing concerns over the security situation following the abduction, stating that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, is working round the clock to rescue the victims and ensure they return safely to their families.

Makinde expressed sympathy with the affected families and communities, noting that the incident was deeply troubling and unacceptable. He emphasized that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority of his administration and assured residents that no effort would be spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

According to the governor, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations are ongoing, while relevant authorities have been mobilized to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims without delay.

He urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could jeopardize ongoing rescue efforts. The governor also called on community leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid investigations.

Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across Oyo State through sustained support for security agencies, improved logistics, and enhanced community policing initiatives.

The governor further assured the families of the abducted pupils and teachers that the government shares in their pain and anxiety, stressing that the state would continue to engage all necessary stakeholders until the victims regain their freedom.

“We understand the fears and concerns of the affected families. I want to assure them that we are doing everything within our power to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. We remain committed to ensuring their safe return and restoring peace to the affected community,” the governor said.

Residents and stakeholders have continued to express hope that ongoing security operations will yield positive results and lead to the swift rescue of the victims.