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Oyo Abduction: Sowore Issues Tinubu Ultimatum, Threatens to Occupy Aso Rock

Published

5 months ago

June 1, 2026

Sowore Risks Losing Defence as Court Issues Final Warning Over Repeated Delays

Omoyele Sowore

Oyo Abduction: Sowore Issues Tinubu Ultimatum, Threatens to Occupy Aso Rock

ABUJA – Human rights activist and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) , Omoyele Sowore, has threatened to lead a mass protest to occupy the Presidential Villa in Abuja if the Federal Government fails to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

In a strongly worded post on X on Sunday, Sowore issued a direct ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs, demanding swift action to rescue the victims who have been in captivity since May 15, 2026.

“If Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his service chiefs fail to track down and secure the release of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and other kidnapped people, we will have no choice but to occupy Aso Rock Villa this week!” Sowore wrote.

The activist described the ongoing kidnapping crisis as “the new political business in Nigeria” and questioned why children had become targets for criminal groups. He accused the government of failing to protect citizens and warned that public anger was growing over repeated attacks on schools and communities across the country.

Gunmen attacked three schools simultaneously in the rural communities of Ahoro-Esin-Ile, Yawota, and Alawusa in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The targeted schools included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The attackers, numbering about 12, came on motorcycles and struck around 9:30 a.m., abducting no fewer than 46 schoolchildren and teachers.

During the attack, an assistant head teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A commercial motorcyclist was also killed after refusing to surrender his motorcycle. The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) condemned the beheading, with National President Bishop Francis Wale Oke stating: “Our hearts are bleeding. We watched with horror the video released by the perpetrators, showing our brother—a devoted educator—bound, humiliated, and beheaded.”

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The abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has made emotional appeals from captivity, begging President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to prioritise negotiation over the use of force.

Sowore has been highly critical of President Tinubu’s handling of the security crisis, describing the president as failing to take decisive action despite recurring mass abductions across the country. He noted that following killings in Plateau State, Tinubu promised to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras, yet violence continues. After the Oyo abduction, the president announced plans to deploy 1,000 forest guards, “yet kidnappings persist,” he argued.

The activist said he was prepared to mobilise Nigerians to occupy the Presidential Villa if urgent action was not taken to rescue the victims. “We are going to Aso Rock if these children are not rescued,” he said, adding that citizens could no longer remain silent while kidnappings continued across the country.

Sowore’s proposed “Occupy Aso Rock” protest appears aimed at increasing pressure on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims and tackling the wider problem of kidnapping across the country. He has been involved in several protests and campaigns on governance and human rights issues and has frequently criticised authorities over their handling of security matters.

The abduction has triggered widespread concern and condemnation from political leaders, activists, community groups, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), which has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, over the continued captivity of their colleagues and students. The NUT has also ordered its state wings nationwide to stage solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, to demand the unconditional release of the abducted victims. The union expressed deep concern over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and traumatic conditions” being endured by the abducted teachers and students.

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Yoruba leader Gani Adams has also warned that southwest states must strengthen their security systems to confront growing threats from kidnappers and armed gangs.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has, however, cautioned against protests, warning that public demonstrations could embolden the kidnappers and undermine ongoing rescue efforts. “This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people. If they did, they would not be carrying out such acts. Protests at this moment may only fuel their ego,” Makinde said.

The governor also disclosed that more than 200 operatives of the Amotekun Corps have lost their lives in the fight against insecurity in Oyo State. “People may not know the sacrifices they make. They go into dangerous situations and many do not return. May God help us put an end to the bloodshed in our state and country,” the governor said.

On Sunday, President Tinubu dispatched a high-powered delegation to the affected communities, led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and Special Adviser Sunday Dare.

The President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State in partnership with the state government and directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free the abducted victims. The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be transmitted to the President for consideration.

Gbajabiamila assured residents: “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.”

As of the time of reporting, rescue operations were ongoing, with security agencies working to secure the safe return of all abducted victims. The Federal Government has yet to officially respond to Sowore’s ultimatum.

Oyo Abduction: Sowore Issues Tinubu Ultimatum, Threatens to Occupy Aso Rock

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Outrage as Residents Scoop Groundnut Oil From Lagos Tanker Crash Scene

Published

6 minutes ago

October 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Outrage as Residents Scoop Groundnut Oil From Lagos Tanker Crash Scene

Residents have come under criticism after they were seen scooping spilled groundnut oil from the scene of a tanker accident around Ojota Bridge in Lagos, prompting a warning from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) over the potential health risks of consuming or selling the recovered product.

The tanker, reportedly carrying 33,000 litres of groundnut oil, overturned on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near Abiola Garden, Ojota, on the inward lane towards the Old Toll Gate.

A video circulating on social media showed some residents gathering around the accident scene to collect the spilled oil, using containers to scoop it from the road. Police officers and LASTMA personnel were also seen at the location.

LASTMA warned members of the public against consuming or selling groundnut oil recovered from the accident scene, stressing that the spilled product could have been contaminated by dirt, debris, water or other substances on the road. Although the oil was intended for human consumption, its exposure to the accident environment raises concerns about its safety. Residents were therefore advised not to collect, purchase or consume the recovered product.

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The agency’s rescue and recovery team reportedly arrived at the scene with high-capacity tow vehicles to assist in removing the overturned tanker and managing the resulting traffic disruption. Traffic officials worked with other emergency responders, including the police and relevant road safety agencies, to secure the area and facilitate recovery operations.

The crash caused disruption around Ojota Bridge and adjoining sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow. Motorists were advised to exercise caution and follow the instructions of traffic officers in the area.

No casualties were reported in the incident. Preliminary accounts suggested that brake failure might have caused the tanker to overturn, although the suspected cause had not been confirmed by a final investigation.

The incident has renewed concerns about tanker safety, emergency response and the risks people take when collecting products spilled during road accidents. Beyond the immediate danger of approaching an overturned tanker, recovered food products may be unsafe for consumption if their quality and cleanliness cannot be established.

Authorities continue to urge residents to keep away from accident scenes, allow emergency teams to work and avoid collecting spilled goods that may pose risks to public health.

Outrage as Residents Scoop Groundnut Oil From Lagos Tanker Crash Scene

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Borno Woman Jailed Two Years for Sexual Exploitation of 16-Year-Old Girl

Published

43 minutes ago

October 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Borno Woman Jailed Two Years for Sexual Exploitation of 16-Year-Old Girl

A Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri has sentenced a 37-year-old woman, Fatima Sanda, to two years’ imprisonment for procuring a 16-year-old girl for sexual exploitation.

The court also ordered Sanda to pay ₦500,000 in compensation to the victim after convicting her of an offence under Nigeria’s anti-trafficking law.

The conviction was secured by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Monday, October 12, 2026, according to reports published by Punch Metro and other Nigerian media outlets.

In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, NAPTIP said the judgment was delivered at Court 10 of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri, presided over by Justice Aisha M. Ndume.

The agency said Sanda was convicted of procuring a 16-year-old girl and subjecting her to sexual exploitation by other people.

The offence contravenes Section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as amended.

Following the conviction, the court sentenced Sanda to two years in prison and ordered her to pay ₦500,000 in compensation to the victim.

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The publicly available reports did not disclose further details about how the teenager was recruited, the identities of the other people involved or the circumstances surrounding the exploitation.

The judgment comes amid continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

In a related case in Niger State, a 27-year-old man, Hussaini Suleiman, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for raping an eight-year-old girl at his residence behind the Prison Quarters in Minna.

The Niger State High Court, presided over by Justice Binta Bawa, convicted Suleiman after he pleaded guilty to the offence.

According to NAPTIP, the case was referred to its Niger State Command by the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on April 16, 2026, following a report of the rape of the child.

The agency said Suleiman admitted committing the offence during the investigation and was arraigned before Court 8 of the Niger State High Court on September 10, 2026. He was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison.

The conviction was reported on September 11, approximately one month before the Borno judgment was announced.

Although the two cases involved different offences and circumstances, both resulted in prison sentences following court proceedings.

The cases also highlight the importance of reporting suspected child sexual abuse, conducting thorough investigations and ensuring that cases are prosecuted before the appropriate courts.

NAPTIP is the federal agency responsible for coordinating Nigeria’s efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking, including the exploitation of vulnerable people. Its work includes investigating trafficking-related offences and prosecuting suspects under applicable legislation.

The Borno judgment combines a custodial sentence with a compensation order for the victim. However, no further information was available in the published reports on whether the compensation had been paid.

Protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation requires effective law enforcement, access to justice and measures that safeguard victims’ privacy and dignity throughout investigations and court proceedings.

Borno Woman Jailed Two Years for Sexual Exploitation of 16-Year-Old Girl

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Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Published

19 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked controversy with his opposition to a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should face imprisonment.

Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during a Senate debate on the proposed Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, which seeks to replace criminal punishment for suicide attempts with medical treatment, rehabilitation and support for survivors.

“As far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. Therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison,” Akpabio said.

He reiterated his position, warning that anyone who attempted suicide but survived would be jailed.

His comments came as the Senate passed the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to further legislative scrutiny despite his opposition.

Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, the bill seeks to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, early intervention, treatment and long-term support for people who survive suicide attempts.

Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing legal framework contains a contradiction because the National Mental Health Act 2021 recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring intervention, while provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code continue to criminalise the act.

He specifically cited Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, which expose people who survive suicide attempts to possible criminal punishment under applicable laws.

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The senator said criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing severe emotional distress from seeking professional help. It could also make families conceal incidents for fear of prosecution and stigma, while undermining the collection of reliable data needed to strengthen prevention efforts.

Ekpenyong challenged lawmakers to consider whether a person who survives a suicide attempt should face prosecution or receive protection and medical care.

He maintained that decriminalising attempted suicide would not mean encouraging suicide or excusing anyone who assists, persuades or procures another person to take their life. Rather, the proposal would recognise suicide prevention as a public health responsibility requiring coordinated medical, psychological and social support.

The bill proposes a framework for medical assessment, referral services, rehabilitation and follow-up care for survivors. It also provides for crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns and training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers to help them identify and respond appropriately to people experiencing suicidal distress.

Another proposed measure is the establishment of a national data system to improve understanding of suicide attempts and support evidence-based prevention programmes.

During the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, seconded the motion for the bill’s second reading but questioned how the proposed legislation would work in practice to prevent suicide.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also raised concerns about the legal implications of the proposal, particularly how amendments involving the Criminal Code and Penal Code would apply across Nigeria’s states.

Bamidele urged lawmakers to examine the relationship between federal legislation and state legal frameworks to avoid conflicts during implementation.

Akpabio similarly called for input from state Houses of Assembly during the proposed public hearing, arguing that the legal implications of amending the existing provisions required careful consideration.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, welcomed the proposal and said the legislative process would provide an opportunity for medical professionals, legal experts and other stakeholders to contribute to the debate.

The bill’s supporters argue that people who survive suicide attempts should not automatically be treated as criminals without consideration of the circumstances that led to the crisis. They maintain that punishment alone cannot address the underlying psychological, social or medical factors associated with suicidal behaviour.

The Senate’s decision to pass the bill for second reading does not mean that the proposed changes have become law. The legislation has been referred to the relevant Senate committees on health and judiciary for further consideration, including a public hearing.

Until the legislative process is completed and any resulting law takes effect, attempted suicide remains punishable under applicable provisions of Nigeria’s existing criminal laws.

The debate has brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention and the treatment of survivors, with lawmakers now facing further scrutiny of whether criminal penalties or a health-centred response should take priority.