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Oyo Kidnapping: Bandits Insist on Negotiating Only with Makinde

Published

3 months ago

May 23, 2026

ADC accuses Makinde administration of removing Adegoke, Atiku campaign billboard in Oyo

Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde

Oyo Kidnapping: Bandits Insist on Negotiating Only with Makinde …as Pupils, Teachers Spend 8 Days in Captivity

Suspected bandits who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have opened communication lines with the state government — but on one strict condition: they will negotiate only with Governor Seyi Makinde. The Oyo school abduction, which occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, has thrown communities in Esinele, Yamota, and Alawusa into mourning and fear. Victims include toddlers as young as two years old, primary and secondary school pupils, and teachers. As of today, eight days later, no child or adult has been officially released.

According to an exclusive report by PUNCH, the kidnappers have declined to speak directly with the families of the abducted victims. A source close to the negotiation process disclosed that the bandits said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else, adding that this was the condition they gave for negotiation. The source explained that because of this, nobody knows the details of the demands or what exactly the abductors are asking for. While it remains unclear whether Governor Makinde is personally leading the talks or acting through intermediaries, another senior security source described the development as a cautious breakthrough, noting that the relief is that at least now both sides are talking, even though security agencies know what to do but the risks remain very high. Authorities are keeping the details of the negotiation secret to avoid jeopardizing the lives of the captives. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment, simply stating that he cannot give any information at the moment.

The attack has turned deadly for educators. Joel Adesiyan, a former assistant headmaster, was killed during the initial assault on the schools. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded while in captivity, according to multiple community sources. A teacher, who gave his name simply as Oyeyemi, told reporters that teachers are traumatised, with some already discussing whether to stop going to remote schools for now. He added that when you hear that a fellow teacher was killed and another was beheaded, anyone will understand the level of panic, noting that teachers are humans too with families waiting for them at home.

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The mass abduction has triggered a massive shutdown of schools across Ogbomoso and neighboring communities, with attendance dropping sharply in both public and private schools. A teacher at Ikose Primary School described scenes of chaos, explaining that all schools, both private and public, in Ogbomoso have been empty since Monday, as pupils stopped attending school after the Esinele attacks. Panic escalated after students at Areago Grammar School reportedly mistook local hunters in a nearby bush for terrorists. The stampede that followed led to a fatal accident involving a student, and the child’s mother later reportedly died from shock. Another teacher from Tewure said parents called repeatedly on Sunday evening, stating that their children would stay away from school for some time because they were scared to attend school following the abduction of their mates in Esinele and Yamota.

Community sources reveal that the abducted pupils and teachers are being moved through dense forests and across state boundaries to evade security operatives. The onset of the rainy season has further complicated ground and aerial surveillance. A community leader who requested anonymity expressed worry about the safety of the abductees, saying they do not know how the victims are faring, especially with children as young as two years old among those held captive.

Despite the delicate situation, security agencies have ramped up efforts. The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has deployed additional detectives from the Force Headquarters to collaborate with joint security teams on the ground. A security source told reporters that more detectives have been deployed from the Force Headquarters to collaborate with the joint security operatives on the ground, adding that the security agencies will explore all opportunities to ensure that the students return to their respective parents safely. However, police explained that operatives must exercise extreme caution because the abductors are using the victims as human shields. CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the children and teachers are with the bandits, so any exchange of fire must be done meticulously because they do not want to jeopardise or risk the lives of the captives. The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims that the abductors have established a permanent terrorist base in the South-West, describing the incident as an isolated criminal act.

In the midst of the crisis, Governor Seyi Makinde signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 to regulate the registration, coordination, and operations of vigilante groups and other security-related organizations across the state. Speaking during the briefing, the governor warned against ethnic profiling, emphasizing that they must avoid at all costs anything that can lead to ethnic tension where people who do not know how issues come about, or because they are from a certain ethnic group, become a target. He assured residents that rescue efforts remain the top priority.

On Friday, emotions ran high during the burial of Joel Adesiyan in Ogbomoso. Governor Makinde, represented by Permanent Secretary Michael Ojelabi, addressed mourners, stating that the state government is sad about the incident and is doing all within its capacity to ensure that those in captivity are returned unhurt.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, accused bloggers of spreading misleading videos and reports capable of heightening panic. He said that bloggers are posting videos to aggravate the situation, even when the videos are false, adding that this is the position of the government. Authorities urge the public to rely only on verified updates from the state government and police command.

As the Oyo kidnapping crisis enters its second week, all eyes remain on Governor Makinde and security agencies. The bandits have not issued a public ultimatum, but the fact that negotiations have begun offers a faint glimmer of hope. For now, families wait in anguish. Schools remain empty. And a community holds its breath.

We will continue to update this developing story as more verified information becomes available.

Oyo Kidnapping: Bandits Insist on Negotiating Only with Makinde

Related Topics:Bandits Featured Kidnapping Makinde negotiation oyo

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Lagos Moves to Tackle Housing Deficit, Inaugurates 2026 World Habitat Day Committee

Published

39 minutes ago

August 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos Moves to Tackle Housing Deficit, Inaugurates 2026 World Habitat Day Committee

The Lagos State Government has inaugurated the planning committee for the 2026 World Habitat Day celebration, charging members to deploy their expertise and work collaboratively towards finding sustainable solutions to the state’s housing and urban development challenges.

The committee was inaugurated last Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.

Speaking at the inauguration, Wasiu described World Habitat Day as an important platform for reflecting on the state of human settlements and reaffirming the fundamental right of every individual to adequate housing.

He said the 2026 theme, “Adequate Housing for All,” was particularly relevant to Lagos, given the need for stronger and more coordinated efforts to address housing challenges and improve living conditions across the state.

The Permanent Secretary called for greater collaboration among government agencies, private sector operators, development partners and other stakeholders in the built environment, stressing that the housing challenge required a comprehensive and sustainable response.

“I want you all to bring your expertise and contribute meaningfully before, during and after the programme because Lagos is widely regarded as the pacesetter of development in Nigeria,” he said.

Wasiu further urged committee members to approach their assignments with professionalism, dedication and a strong sense of purpose, while leveraging their diverse expertise to deliver a meaningful and impactful celebration.

He said the housing deficit could no longer be addressed through fragmented interventions, noting that a holistic approach was required to bridge the existing gap.

“The housing deficit is something we have to critically and holistically address in order to bridge the existing gap,” he added.

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He explained that the Office of Physical Planning was responsible for coordinating the annual World Habitat Day observance in Lagos, adding that members of the 2026 planning committee were drawn from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to promote broad representation, inclusiveness and effective coordination.

World Habitat Day is observed globally on the first Monday of October each year to draw attention to the state of human settlements and the right to adequate shelter.

The 2026 Lagos State celebration is scheduled for Monday, October 5, at the Blue Roof, LTV Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable urban development, expanding access to adequate housing and implementing policies aimed at improving the quality of life of Lagos residents.

Lagos Moves to Tackle Housing Deficit, Inaugurates 2026 World Habitat Day Committee

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ICPC uncovers alleged fake agency claiming 2017 FEC approval after nine years

Published

1 hour ago

August 23, 2026

Trends Admin

ICPC uncovers alleged fake agency claiming 2017 FEC approval after nine years

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered an alleged fake government agency that operated from the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) for years while presenting itself as a properly constituted federal institution.

The organisation, identified as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, allegedly claimed that it had received Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval in 2017 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, the ICPC said its investigation found that the office was operating without presidential authorisation and contrary to extant laws, raising questions about how it secured office space within the OSGF complex and maintained an official-looking structure for years.

The development was disclosed by ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, after he briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Commission’s investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and other weaknesses in the public service.

Aliyu said the discovery of the alleged fake agency emerged from the broader investigation into how unauthorised organisations could operate within government structures.

He said the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office had been illegally allocated office space within the OSGF premises, despite allegedly lacking the required authorisation to function as a federal agency.

The Commission identified George Buchi Nwabueze as the alleged promoter of the organisation.

According to the ICPC chairman, Nwabueze allegedly operated under several variations of his name, including George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.

A profile on the organisation’s website lists Nwabueze George as its “Executive Director, National Coordinator”, further linking the individual to the organisation at the centre of the ICPC investigation.

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The organisation had built an elaborate public profile around its activities. Its website presented the office as an initiative focused on promoting Made-in-Nigeria products, supporting local industries, developing Nigerian brands and encouraging investment in domestic manufacturing.

Its stated objectives included the revival of moribund factories through investment arrangements, support for local brands, development of a national labelling and counterfeit surveillance system, and promotion of Nigerian products through trade fairs and exhibitions.

The organisation also published what it described as a “Bill for an Act to Establish the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission and for Related Matters.”

The purported legislation, identified on its website as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission Act, 2025, was presented as providing a legal framework for the establishment of a commission responsible for promoting Nigerian brands and local manufacturing.

However, the publication of the proposed bill does not, by itself, establish that the organisation had been legally created as a federal agency.

The organisation also claimed that its activities had a 2017 FEC approval.

According to information published on its website, the Federal Executive Council allegedly approved a “National Campaign to Sensitize Nigerians on the Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Products” at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on February 1, 2017.

The organisation listed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as the implementing ministry.

That claim has become one of the issues requiring verification as part of the ICPC investigation. While the organisation presents the 2017 FEC approval as part of its history, the anti-corruption agency maintains that the office was operating without the necessary presidential authorisation.

The alleged agency also established an extensive nationwide leadership structure, with national, zonal and state coordinators.

Its published structure included officials assigned to different geopolitical zones and states, creating the appearance of a federal organisation with representation across the country.

The organisation’s website also displayed official-looking green-and-white insignia bearing references to “The Presidency” and “Made in Nigeria”, further contributing to its public presentation as a government-backed initiative.

It maintained social media accounts under the handle @pmainpro on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

The ICPC is now investigating how the organisation was able to maintain such a structure and operate from government premises without being stopped earlier.

Aliyu also alleged that the organisation’s promoter may have had the suspected collaboration of some senior public servants within the OSGF.

The Commission is examining the role of officials who may have facilitated the organisation’s access to office accommodation and other government resources.

Following the ICPC briefing, President Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and directed the suspension of three permanent secretaries pending the outcome of the investigation.

The affected officials are M.S. Danjuma, Engr. Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.

The presidential action came amid a wider investigation into alleged fictitious government structures, following the earlier discovery of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The ICPC had alleged that the PFIPC was not a legitimate federal government institution despite presenting itself as one. Its alleged promoter, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is facing prosecution over allegations including forgery and impersonation.

The discovery of the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office has now widened concerns about fraudulent government structures and weaknesses in public-service oversight.

The case has raised questions about how an organisation allegedly lacking valid presidential authorisation could obtain office accommodation within the OSGF, establish a nationwide network of coordinators and maintain an official-looking online presence.

The ICPC said it had engaged officials of the OSGF to obtain additional information on how the organisation secured its accommodation and to establish the roles allegedly played by the suspended permanent secretaries and other individuals.

The Commission said its investigation would continue and that further findings would be communicated to the appropriate authorities.

For now, the alleged 2017 FEC approval, the circumstances surrounding the organisation’s occupation of government premises and the alleged involvement of public officials remain subjects of investigation.

The allegations against Nwabueze, the suspended officials and any other persons linked to the matter have not been established by a court. All individuals involved are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence.

ICPC uncovers alleged fake agency claiming 2017 FEC approval after nine years

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Rivers Monarch Escapes Assassination as Gunmen Raze Palace, Several Wounded

Published

1 hour ago

August 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe

Rivers Monarch Escapes Assassination as Gunmen Raze Palace, Several Wounded

Finima community in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, was thrown into chaos on Saturday when heavily armed gunmen stormed the palace of traditional ruler Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown in a brutal attack that left multiple people wounded and raised fears of escalating violence.

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The traditional ruler of Finima community in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown, escaped assassination by the whiskers on Saturday morning when his palace came under brutal attack by heavily armed gunmen. The attack happened between 3 am and 4 am, when residents of Amadabo witnessed heavy gunfire that left residential buildings, fences, and a vehicle riddled with bullets. The incident, which lasted several hours, was said to have started in the early hours of Saturday over disagreements relating to cultural identity and the right of families in the community to perform certain masquerade displays. In the confusion that followed, the attackers reportedly invaded the building housing the ancient palace and stormed the Amadabo’s personal living room, apparently in search of him and members of his household.

Community sources claimed that some individuals have been fingered as those that carried out the attack. The sources, who craved to remain anonymous, said they expect security agencies to unravel the sponsors of the heinous operation. One source in the community further disclosed that an indigene identified as Ibiwari Brown allegedly suffered a severe injury, with his hand reportedly cut off by the attackers. Several other people who sustained severe bullet wounds were rushed to undisclosed hospitals for medical attention. According to the sources, the attackers did not end at the monarch’s residence, as they spread bullets to the houses of some community leaders, including an indigene identified as Alabo Tuwonimi. At the time of filing the report, it could not be ascertained if security agencies had arrested any suspects in connection with the operation.

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The attack comes amid an ongoing dispute involving traditional institutions and chieftaincy interests in Finima, raising fears that the violence may be linked to a power struggle. The Buoye Omuso Brown Founding and Ruling House of Finima has called for urgent intervention by security agencies, the Rivers State Government, and other relevant authorities to prevent further deterioration of the situation. In a statement titled “SOS on Looming Invasion of Finima to Unleash Anarchy,” signed by its Administrative Secretary, Amasenibo Vivian Daps Brown, the Amadabo-in-Council raised concerns over alleged moves by the Bonny Chiefs Council, led by Se-Alabo (Amb.) Dagogo Soala Claude-Wilcox, to support a faction of the Tobin Chieftaincy House. The ruling house alleged that the development could cause unrest and threaten peace in Finima, warning that unknown individuals were being moved into the community for the purpose of causing what it described as “premeditated mayhem” against residents.

The Amadabo-in-Council recalled that the latest dispute originated in 2024 when a faction of the Tobin Chieftaincy House, led by Dagogo Joseph Tobin, reportedly initiated moves to establish what it described as the “Tobin House Owu-ogbo,” based on claims of ownership of Finima. The ruling house rejected the move, maintaining that the history and origin of Finima were well established and had been validated by courts of competent jurisdiction. Trouble reportedly began after a section of the Brown Chieftaincy House attempted to prevent the Tobin Chieftaincy House, both of Finima, from performing its annual festivals known as “Eremini and Fongu Mini,” scheduled for September 22, 2026. As part of the same cultural activities, the Tobin Chieftaincy House had also proposed to stage masquerade displays on October 31, 2026, an event which the Brown family had allegedly threatened to disrupt. But the Bonny Chiefs Council has debunked the claims of the Brown Chieftaincy House, dismissing them as unacceptable, provocative and capable of creating unnecessary tension and a breach of peace in the kingdom. In a statement, the council said no individual, faction, group or section of another chieftaincy house had the authority to stop or interfere with the cultural activities of another recognised chieftaincy house.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Amasenibo Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, directed the immediate suspension of all events and cultural activities in Finima Community. Pepple issued the directive when he visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, expressing grave concern over the incident and assuring residents that necessary measures were being taken to restore and sustain peace. Pepple strongly condemned the violence and warned that any attempt by individuals or groups to undermine the security architecture of Bonny Local Government Area would be firmly resisted. He said all persons found responsible for the attack would be identified and brought to justice, stressing that acts capable of threatening the peace, security and safety of residents would not be tolerated. He also commended the security agencies for their swift and professional response, noting that their intervention contributed significantly to bringing the situation under control. “Consequently, all security agencies have been duly notified of the directive suspending all events and cultural activities in Finima Community. Any person or group that disregards this directive will be arrested accordingly,” he stated. The chairman urged residents of Finima and the entire Bonny Local Government Area to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, assuring them that the security situation was being closely monitored.

The community, which hosts the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) complex, was said to have been thrown into panic after the attack. The violence has raised fresh concerns over the management of traditional institutions, cultural rights and chieftaincy relations in Bonny Kingdom, where long-standing customs remain central to identity, legitimacy and communal peace.