Residents of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, were thrown into panic on Tuesday night after suspected gunmen reportedly attacked an office of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), making away with weapons belonging to officers on duty.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the attackers stormed the facility under the cover of darkness and launched a coordinated operation that caught security personnel off guard. During the attack, the gunmen allegedly overpowered officers on duty and seized a number of service weapons before fleeing the scene.

The incident is said to have triggered tension within the area, with residents expressing concerns over the growing security challenges in parts of the state. Witnesses reported hearing unusual movements and commotion around the vicinity of the immigration office during the attack.

Security agencies were immediately alerted, and efforts were reportedly intensified to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen weapons. Additional security personnel were said to have been deployed to the area to prevent further breaches and reassure residents.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to release an official statement detailing the exact circumstances surrounding the attack or the number of weapons stolen. Investigations are ongoing, while residents and stakeholders have called for strengthened security measures around critical government facilities.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over attacks on security formations and public institutions across the country, underscoring the need for enhanced intelligence gathering and proactive security operations.

The Ogun State Government has dismissed as false and unfounded reports circulating on social media and other platforms alleging that Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram insurgents, and other terrorist groups are planning to invade the state.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government said available security intelligence and reports from relevant agencies indicate that Ogun State remains safe and secure.

The government urged residents not to be distracted by misinformation designed to create panic and fear among the populace, stressing that there is no truth in claims of an impending security threat within the state.

According to the statement, security agencies across Ogun State have remained vigilant, while adequate measures have been put in place to prevent any attempt by criminal elements to undermine public peace and order.

“The Ogun State Government has noted with dismay the rumours being circulated on social media and across different platforms indicating that the state is under imminent threat of invasion by killer herders, Boko Haram terrorists fleeing military operations in the North-East, and other criminal groups,” Akinmade said.

“The true situation is that there is no imminent threat of invasion by any terrorist group. Security agencies and operatives across the state are on high alert, and adequate measures have already been put in place to checkmate any individual or group seeking to foment trouble or undermine public order.”

He added that some individuals appeared to be exploiting security challenges being experienced in other parts of the country to create unnecessary fear among Ogun residents.

“It is clear that some individuals are attempting to exploit security challenges being experienced in other parts of the country to create a climate of fear in Ogun State. This is highly irresponsible and capable of causing unnecessary anxiety among residents,” he said.

Akinmade disclosed that security agencies have already apprehended some individuals linked to the circulation of the false reports and misinformation on social media. He noted that those arrested are being prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that the action is intended to serve as a deterrent to others who may seek to spread falsehoods, incite panic, or create chaos within the state.

“Security agencies have identified and apprehended some of the individuals responsible for spreading these false narratives. They are currently facing prosecution, and this should serve as a clear warning to anyone seeking to deliberately spread misinformation, create panic, or disrupt public peace. The government will continue to work with security agencies to ensure that those who engage in such acts are held accountable,” he stated.

The statement emphasized that Ogun State continues to enjoy strong collaboration among security agencies, local authorities, traditional institutions, and community stakeholders. This synergy, it noted, has significantly enhanced intelligence gathering, rapid response capacity, and overall coordination in maintaining peace across the state.

It further disclosed that the state government is already working in close conjunction with all security agencies to fine-tune strategic, state-specific security measures aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability. The initiative, according to the government, is designed to deepen collaboration between conventional security agencies and traditional security architecture at the grassroots.

Akinmade explained that this integrated approach will strengthen intelligence sharing, community participation, and early warning systems, leveraging the enduring role of traditional institutions in local security management alongside modern security frameworks.

“The government is not only focused on addressing immediate security concerns but is also committed to putting in place enduring mechanisms that will preserve peace and security in the long term. This involves strengthening the synergy between conventional security institutions and traditional security architecture, which continues to play a vital role in intelligence gathering and community-based conflict prevention,” he said.

The government also noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun has consistently prioritized the security of lives and property through sustained investments in security infrastructure, logistical support for security agencies, and the deployment of technology-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing surveillance and crime prevention across the state.

The statement further urged residents to rely strictly on official government communication channels and recognized security agencies for information. It warned that the indiscriminate sharing of unverified reports on social media could inadvertently aid mischief makers seeking to spread fear and confusion.

Akinmade assured that the state government remains proactive rather than reactive in security management and is continuously reviewing intelligence reports and nationwide security developments to ensure Ogun State remains peaceful, safe, and conducive for residents, businesses, and visitors.

He added that while citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant as responsible members of society, there is no cause for alarm, as all security formations in the state are fully alert and working in close coordination to safeguard communities and maintain public order.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment to public safety, Akinmade warned that the government would not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone attempting to disrupt the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

He also called on residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and useful information whenever necessary, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility.

The state government further encouraged residents to support ongoing security efforts through responsible and timely information sharing. For credible security information and assistance, members of the public may contact the Ogun State Police Command through the Gateway Shield toll-free line on 0800 000 9111 or the emergency lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

The government urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and refrain from spreading rumours capable of causing panic or disrupting public peace, assuring residents that Ogun State remains safe, secure, and open for lawful business and socio-economic activities.

Oduduwa News has just gathered that a younger sister of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Bayo Adelabu, popularly known as Penkelemesi, and her children have been allegedly kidnapped in the Elewura area of Ibadan.

According to a resident, an eyewitness who spoke to Oduduwa News under the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the alleged abduction occurred under circumstances that are yet to be officially established. The identities of the victims and details surrounding the incident have not been independently verified by security agencies as of the time of filing this report.

The development has generated concern among residents and political stakeholders, with many calling on security authorities to urgently investigate the claim and provide clarity on the situation.

Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Oyo State Police Command and representatives of the Adelabu family were unsuccessful at the time of this report. No official statement has been issued regarding the alleged incident.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue. Members of the public have been advised to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports capable of causing panic.

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr. Taiwo Adegoroye, has directed the immediate closure of all public and private schools within the council area following growing security concerns.

Adegoroye announced the decision after an emergency security meeting with relevant stakeholders, saying the measure was necessary to safeguard the lives of pupils, students, teachers, and other school personnel amid reports of potential security threats in parts of the local government.

According to the council chairman, intelligence reports and recent developments necessitated proactive action to prevent any breach of security that could endanger residents, particularly schoolchildren. He noted that the closure was a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring that educational institutions do not become targets of criminal activities.

The chairman directed school administrators, proprietors, and heads of public institutions to comply fully with the directive pending further review of the security situation. He assured parents and guardians that the local government, in collaboration with security agencies, was taking all necessary steps to maintain peace and protect lives and property.

Adegoroye also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities. He emphasized that security operatives had been deployed to strategic locations across the local government to strengthen surveillance and deter criminal elements.

The closure has generated concern among parents and education stakeholders, many of whom expressed hope that the situation would be brought under control quickly to allow academic activities to resume. Authorities have assured the public that schools will be reopened as soon as security assessments indicate that it is safe to do so.

Two serving police officers attached to the Lagos State Police Command narrowly escaped being lynched by an angry mob after they were mistakenly identified as suspected kidnappers in Ogun State.

The incident reportedly occurred when residents became suspicious of the officers’ presence in a community and raised an alarm, alleging that they were involved in kidnapping activities. Within minutes, a crowd gathered and attempted to apprehend the men, leading to heightened tension in the area.

Eyewitnesses said the situation escalated rapidly as residents, acting on fears fueled by recent reports of abductions and criminal activities, moved to attack the officers before their identities could be verified. The officers reportedly made efforts to explain that they were members of the Nigeria Police Force, but the crowd remained unconvinced.

The situation was eventually brought under control following the intervention of local security operatives and community leaders who verified the identities of the officers and confirmed that they were serving personnel from the Lagos State Police Command. Their timely intervention prevented what could have resulted in serious injuries or loss of life.

Police authorities have since condemned the attempted mob action, warning members of the public against taking the law into their own hands. The command stressed that suspects should always be handed over to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation rather than subjected to jungle justice.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of mob justice and the growing atmosphere of suspicion in many communities amid concerns over insecurity. Authorities urged citizens to remain vigilant but to verify information and allow security agencies to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the law.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church God, Gbenga Adeboye, has called on the Federal Government to take a firmer stance against insecurity by giving security chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to end terrorism and violent attacks across the country or step aside.

Speaking during a church programme, Adeboye expressed deep concern over the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on communities. He lamented that despite efforts by security agencies, many Nigerians continue to live in fear as criminal elements wreak havoc in different parts of the country.

The respected cleric stated that the nation cannot continue to accept the loss of innocent lives as a normal occurrence. According to him, security officials entrusted with the responsibility of protecting citizens should be held accountable for results. He argued that setting clear targets and timelines would encourage greater commitment and urgency in addressing the country’s security crisis.

Adeboye urged the Federal Government to provide security agencies with the necessary support, intelligence, equipment, and resources needed to confront terrorists and other criminal groups effectively. However, he maintained that such support must be accompanied by measurable outcomes, adding that any security leadership unable to deliver tangible progress within a specified period should willingly vacate office.

The cleric also called on Nigerians to support security efforts through vigilance, intelligence sharing, and prayers for the nation. He emphasized that restoring peace and security is essential for economic growth, national unity, and the well-being of citizens.

His comments have sparked discussions among Nigerians on the effectiveness of the country’s security architecture and the need for stronger measures to tackle the lingering insecurity that has affected several parts of the nation in recent years.

Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Speaking at a gathering of APC stakeholders, former Oyo State gubernatorial aspirant and party chieftain, Chief Fatai Ibikunle, revealed that President Tinubu had informed key party leaders, including former First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, and former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, that Senator Alli was his preferred choice for the governorship ticket.

According to Ibikunle, he initially doubted reports that Alli had emerged as the consensus candidate until the President personally confirmed it to him. He stated that the President had quietly sent a clear signal to APC leaders across Oyo State to unite behind Sharafadeen Alli ahead of the party’s gubernatorial contest.

Ibikunle also claimed that the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, ignored President Tinubu’s appeal not to resign from his previous position, believing he could secure victory on his own. He said events have since shown that the President had already indicated his preference for Alli, urging party leaders to rally support for him.

In a similar vein, the Chairman of the APC in Oyo State, Moses Alake Adeyemo, disclosed that he was initially opposed to the idea of adopting a consensus candidate. He explained that he had insisted the party should conduct a primary election until he was personally informed by President Tinubu that Sharafadeen Alli was the party’s preferred governorship candidate.

Adeyemo said he eventually came to the realization that even if a primary election were conducted, Alli would still emerge victorious due to the overwhelming support and backing he enjoys within the party. He therefore called on APC members across the state to close ranks and work together to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 governorship election.

The revelations have further fueled discussions within the Oyo APC over the party’s succession plan and the race to challenge the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde in the next electoral cycle.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has alleged that the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may have been orchestrated to embarrass and blackmail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Fayose made the controversial claim during a television interview while discussing the security situation in the country.

According to him, the response of the Oyo State Government to the incident raised questions, as he claimed that Governor Seyi Makinde initially focused on political activities before publicly engaging with the families of the abducted victims. Fayose said he had a “strong belief,” though he admitted he could be wrong, that the incident might have been politically motivated.

The former governor argued that state governments have significant responsibilities in addressing security challenges within their territories, including the use of security votes and local security structures. He maintained that blame for insecurity should not always be directed at the Federal Government, insisting that state authorities must also be held accountable for protecting lives and property.

Fayose further claimed that the kidnapping was being used to tarnish the image of President Tinubu, drawing parallels with past accusations that insecurity was used as a political tool against previous administrations. His remarks have generated widespread reactions from political observers and members of the public, with many questioning the basis of the allegation.

Neither the Oyo State Government nor Governor Makinde had officially responded to Fayose’s allegations as of the time of this report. The abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire has continued to attract national attention, with ongoing efforts by security agencies and government authorities to secure the release of the remaining victims and address growing concerns over insecurity in schools.

The Nigerian Nurses’ Forum has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over alleged quackery, extortion, unsafe delivery practices, and workplace intimidation at a Primary Health Care (PHC) facility in Oyo State.

The forum alleged that unqualified individuals were being allowed to perform clinical and maternity-related duties meant for trained and licensed healthcare professionals. According to the group, such practices endanger patients’ lives and could lead to avoidable medical complications and maternal deaths.

The nurses also accused some officials of intimidating and victimising staff members who raised concerns about the alleged irregularities. They claimed that whistleblowers were subjected to threats rather than having their complaints properly investigated.

In addition, the forum expressed concern over alleged extortion and unethical treatment of patients seeking healthcare services at the facility. It warned that vulnerable residents who depend on primary healthcare centres should not be exposed to exploitation or unsafe medical care.

The group called on the police, Oyo State Government, health authorities, and professional regulatory bodies to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations, protect whistleblowers, and sanction anyone found culpable. The allegations remain unproven, and authorities are expected to investigate and establish the facts.

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.