The Oyo State Government has appealed to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to allow pupils and students return to classrooms and prevent further disruption of the academic calendar, even as the union maintains that schools in insecurity-prone areas should not resume until adequate safety measures are put in place.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, following the State Executive Council meeting.

According to the Commissioner, while the concerns that prompted the withdrawal of students from schools are understandable, the continued closure of schools carries significant social and economic consequences that must also be considered.

He reassured residents that the government is taking strategic steps to bring the recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area to a close and restore confidence in the safety of schools across the state.

As part of efforts to strengthen the education sector, the Executive Council approved the release of ₦8.77 billion for the procurement of teaching and learning materials for primary and junior secondary schools across Oyo State. The approval represents the first phase of a project valued at ₦23.01 billion.

The textbooks, to be procured in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the World Bank, will cover Numeracy, Literacy, Mathematics, English Language and Basic Science.

The government noted that successful procurement and distribution of the materials would qualify Oyo State for a reward-based disbursement of two United States dollars per student per subject under the project’s results-based financing framework.

Council also approved a supplementary budget and realignment of the 2026 fiscal plan, increasing the state’s budget from ₦892.09 billion to ₦1.10 trillion to ensure the completion of ongoing projects before the end of the current administration.

In addition, the government approved the payment of $250,000 to support African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation programmes aimed at attracting investment opportunities in industrialisation, agribusiness and export-oriented enterprises within the state.

The Council further approved ₦5.91 billion for the implementation of the 2026 Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) programme, covering health insurance and food security interventions designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship on residents.

However, despite the government’s appeal, the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed strong reservations about resuming academic activities in areas affected by insecurity.

The union said the safety of teachers, pupils and other education workers must be guaranteed before normal academic activities can fully resume in vulnerable communities.

According to the NUT, recent incidents of kidnapping and criminal attacks have heightened fears among teachers and parents, creating an atmosphere unsuitable for learning.

The union stressed that educators cannot be expected to work under conditions where their lives and those of their students remain under threat, calling on the state government and security agencies to strengthen security around schools and affected communities.

The teachers’ body urged authorities to deploy additional security personnel, improve intelligence gathering and establish effective emergency response mechanisms to prevent future attacks on educational institutions.

While reaffirming its commitment to quality education, the NUT maintained that the protection of lives must remain the foremost priority, insisting that schools should only reopen when adequate security measures are in place.

The development highlights the growing tension between the need to restore academic activities and the demand for stronger security assurances following the recent school abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area.

A traditional ruler in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, the Eleshi Ele of Esiele, has allegedly been arrested in connection with ongoing investigations into the recent abduction of pupils, students and teachers in the area.

Sources familiar with the matter claimed that the monarch was taken into custody following allegations linking him to individuals suspected of having played roles in the school abduction that affected communities around Ahoro-Esiele, Yawota and neighbouring settlements.

The development comes weeks after armed kidnappers invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted dozens of schoolchildren and education workers, an incident that sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond.

According to sources, investigators are pursuing several lines of inquiry, including allegations of local collaboration, intelligence leaks and logistical support that may have aided the perpetrators before and after the attack. The monarch’s alleged arrest is said to be part of broader efforts to uncover those behind the abduction and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Sources further alleged that investigators are examining communications, movements and possible connections between suspects already in custody and other individuals considered relevant to the ongoing probe.

News of the alleged arrest has generated mixed reactions among residents of Oriire Local Government Area, many of whom are still grappling with the impact of the abduction. Some community members expressed surprise at the development, noting that the monarch had previously spoken publicly about the tragedy and called for efforts to secure the release of the victims.

Community stakeholders have urged authorities to conduct a thorough and fair investigation, emphasizing the need for due process and caution against drawing conclusions before all facts are established.

The school abduction remains one of the most disturbing security incidents recorded in Oyo State this year. The attack drew condemnation from parents, education stakeholders, civil society groups and political leaders, while raising concerns about security in rural communities.

Sources alleged that several individuals believed to be connected to the incident have been apprehended as investigations continue. Efforts are also said to be ongoing to identify and arrest all those allegedly involved in the operation.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been been no official confirmation regarding the specific allegations against Oba Tajudeen Abioye. Attempts to obtain comments from the palace and individuals close to the monarch were unsuccessful.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have intercepted a truck loaded with military uniforms and suspected illicit drugs in the Surulere area of Lagos State, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

The operation, which was carried out based on intelligence reports, resulted in the seizure of 47 sacks containing military uniforms and 80 cartons of substances suspected to be illicit drugs. Police authorities described the discovery as a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat criminal activities and the illegal circulation of restricted items within the state.

According to police sources, the truck was intercepted during a routine operation in Surulere, where officers conducted a search and uncovered the large cache of military uniforms alongside the cartons of suspected drugs concealed within the vehicle.

The three suspects arrested in connection with the seizure are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators with information regarding the origin, ownership, and intended destination of the items.

Authorities said preliminary investigations are focused on determining whether the military uniforms were intended for unauthorized use by criminal elements and establishing the nature of the suspected illicit drugs recovered from the truck.

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining security across the state and warned individuals involved in the illegal trade of military gear, drugs, and other prohibited items to desist or face the full weight of the law.

Police also assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that anyone found connected to the shipment would be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

Medical services at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, have been severely disrupted following the commencement of an indefinite strike by resident doctors over unpaid allowances and welfare concerns.

The industrial action, which took effect after a resolution reached by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), has affected clinical and emergency services, leaving many patients stranded and forcing others to seek medical attention elsewhere.

The doctors accused the hospital management and relevant authorities of failing to address longstanding issues relating to the payment of outstanding allowances and other welfare packages despite several appeals and engagements.

According to the association, repeated efforts to secure the release of the entitlements yielded little result, prompting members to withdraw their services as a last resort.

Speaking on the development, representatives of the doctors said the strike was not intended to inconvenience patients but was necessary to draw attention to their plight and ensure that their legitimate demands are met.

They noted that poor welfare conditions have continued to affect the morale and productivity of healthcare workers, warning that the situation could worsen if urgent steps are not taken to resolve the issues.

Patients and their relatives who visited the hospital expressed frustration over the disruption of services, urging the Ogun State Government and hospital management to intervene quickly to end the impasse.

Meanwhile, the doctors have maintained that the strike will continue until concrete commitments are made regarding the payment of outstanding allowances and the implementation of measures aimed at improving their welfare.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the hospital management were ongoing at the time of filing this report.

The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to free residents from the shackles of insecurity, kidnapping, and other criminal activities by imposing a curfew on 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government said the curfew would take effect from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., beginning on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and would remain in force for the next 48 hours in the first instance.

The affected local government areas are Oriire (headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile), Orelope (headquarters: Igboho), Irepo (headquarters: Kisi), Saki West (headquarters: Saki), Saki East (headquarters: Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (headquarters: Tede/Ago-Are), Itesiwaju (headquarters: Otu), Iseyin (headquarters: Iseyin), Olorunsogo (headquarters: Igbeti), and Atiba (headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo).

Prince Oyelade stated that the curfew was part of the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges in communities located around the Old Oyo National Park.

He urged residents of the affected local government areas to comply fully with the directive as security agencies intensify operations aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the affected communities.

A Fulani man from Bani community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has issued a stern warning to Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, cautioning him against entering the community to confront Fulani residents.

The warning was contained in a viral video obtained by Oduduwa News, in which the man, dressed in native attire and seated on a motorcycle in what appeared to be a bush location, repeatedly challenged Igboho and defended the Fulani community in Bani.

Speaking in Yoruba, the man accused Igboho of disrespecting the traditional ruler of Bani and warned him against mentioning the monarch’s name in his public statements.

According to him, Fulani residents in Bani are peaceful and law-abiding citizens engaged in mining activities, insisting that they should not be labelled as bandits.

“Today I want to talk to Sunday Igboho and I want this video to reach him,” he said.

He further stated that the people of Bani were not intimidated by the activist, stressing that the community was different from Igangan in Oyo State, where Igboho first gained prominence during his campaign against criminal herders.

The man maintained that there was no evidence linking Fulani residents in Bani to banditry and challenged anyone to point to cases of bandits being arrested in the community.

He also warned that any attempt by Igboho to enter Bani for confrontation could have serious consequences, while reiterating that the Fulani population in the area was focused on legitimate economic activities, particularly mining.

The video emerged amid renewed tensions following recent comments by Sunday Igboho on insecurity and alleged criminal activities linked to some Fulani groups in parts of the South-West and North-Central regions.

Igboho, a prominent Yoruba self-determination activist, rose to national prominence after issuing quit notices to suspected criminal herders in parts of Oyo State, particularly in Igangan, where violent attacks and clashes had previously been reported.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has sparked political reactions following remarks attributed to him suggesting the emergence of a broad coalition against Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to reports circulating on social media, Fayose reportedly stated during a political discussion that several political actors, including himself and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, would align against Makinde in the next election cycle. He was also quoted as saying that individuals he described as the governor’s political opponents would work together to challenge his political influence.

The comments have generated mixed reactions among political observers and supporters across Oyo State. While some view the remarks as part of the usual political maneuvering ahead of future elections, others have expressed concern that such statements could deepen political divisions and heighten tensions within the state’s political landscape.

As of the time of filing this report, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, whose name was mentioned in the alleged statement, has not publicly reacted to the claim.

Political analysts, however, note that preparations for the 2027 elections remain at an early stage, stressing that comments and speculations surrounding potential alliances should not be mistaken for established political coalitions.

The development has nonetheless fueled discussions about the future of Oyo State politics and the possible realignments that may shape the contest ahead of the next general elections.

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has called on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to facilitate the immediate release of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and settle outstanding minimum wage arrears owed to resident doctors and other healthcare workers in the state.

The appeal was made amid growing concerns over the welfare of medical personnel and the need to sustain quality healthcare delivery across Oyo State.

According to the association, the prompt disbursement of the training fund is crucial to the professional development of resident doctors, who rely on the support to undertake mandatory training, examinations, and other educational requirements necessary for their career progression.

The doctors noted that delays in releasing the fund have placed additional financial burdens on resident physicians, many of whom are required to personally cover the costs associated with their training programmes.

The association also expressed concern over the outstanding minimum wage arrears owed to healthcare workers, stressing that the prolonged delay in payment has adversely affected the morale and welfare of medical professionals serving in public health institutions.

The resident doctors appealed to Governor Makinde to intervene and ensure that all outstanding obligations are settled without further delay, describing the move as necessary to maintain industrial harmony and enhance the efficiency of healthcare services in the state.

They emphasized that investing in the welfare and professional growth of healthcare workers would ultimately translate into improved patient care and better health outcomes for residents of Oyo State.

The association further reiterated its commitment to providing quality healthcare services while expressing optimism that the state government would respond positively to its demands.

Traffic was brought to a standstill on Monday at the busy Iwo Road Interchange in Ibadan, Oyo State, as protesters occupied the major roundabout to demand urgent action against rising insecurity and the release of schoolchildren reportedly abducted in the state.

The demonstrators, comprising concerned residents, youths, and community activists, blocked sections of the road, causing severe gridlock and disrupting movement along key routes connecting Ibadan with other parts of Oyo State and neighboring states.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “End Insecurity Now,” “Bring Back Our Children,” and “Government Must Act,” the protesters expressed frustration over the growing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of the state, particularly in the Oke-Ogun axis.

The protest follows reports of the abduction of schoolchildren and other residents by suspected kidnappers, a development that has heightened fear among residents and sparked calls for stronger security measures.

Some of the protesters accused authorities of not doing enough to tackle the worsening security situation, urging both the Oyo State Government and federal security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

The demonstration attracted the attention of security operatives, including police officers and other law enforcement personnel, who were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent the protest from turning violent.

Motorists and commuters were forced to seek alternative routes as traffic built up around Iwo Road, leading to delays and disruptions to commercial activities in the area.

As of the time of filing this report, the protesters insisted they would continue their demonstration until their concerns were addressed and concrete steps were taken to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and improve security across the state.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the protest and the demands raised by the demonstrators.

Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following a court ruling that rejected his request for the presiding judge to withdraw from the case, as well as the affirmation of an earlier decision revoking his bail.

The development followed proceedings in which the court dismissed the recusal application filed by Sowore’s legal team, insisting that there were no sufficient grounds to warrant the judge stepping aside from the matter.

Counsel to the defendant had argued that the court should recuse itself over concerns they raised during the proceedings, but the application was declined.

In a related ruling, the court also upheld the revocation of Sowore’s bail, paving the way for his remand at the Kuje facility pending further hearing of the case.

Security operatives were seen escorting the activist out of the courtroom following the ruling, as proceedings drew significant attention from supporters and observers present.

The case is expected to continue on a date to be communicated by the court.