Oyo Boils as Teachers Strike, Protesters Demand Freedom for Abducted Pupils

Ibadan, Oyo State – Residents of Oyo State have taken to the streets to demand the immediate release of dozens of school children and teachers who were kidnapped in the Oriire Local Government Area. The development follows a directive from the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) , which ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers across Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike starting Monday, June 1, 2026. The industrial action comes more than two weeks after heavily armed men launched a coordinated raid on May 15, targeting three schools in the Ogbomoso area: Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, along with Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele. The attackers took away 39 students, some as young as two years old, and seven teachers, including Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esiele. One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during the attack, while a two-year-old child, Christianah Akanbi, remains among those kidnapped. The victims have now been in captivity for over two weeks.

Members of the Take-It-Back Movement, on Monday, stormed the Oyo State Government House, Ibadan, to protest worsening insecurity and the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The protesters defied heavy rainfall as they marched through parts of the state capital, demanding urgent action from the state government and security agencies. According to reports, they had earlier converged on Mokola Roundabout before proceeding to the Government House, where they called for improved security across schools, roads and communities in the state. Despite the downpour, the demonstrators said they would not abandon the protest because the lives of abducted pupils, teachers and other residents were at stake. They chanted solidarity songs and carried placards with inscriptions calling on the government to act quickly against kidnapping and violent attacks in the state. Some of the placards read, “Bring Back Our Children,” “Security for all, not for a few,” “End kidnapping in Oyo State now,” “Safer roads and communities now,” and “Protect farmers, traders and students.” The protesters described the march as a civic duty, saying silence in the face of rising insecurity would amount to abandoning affected families. They urged the state government to strengthen security around schools and vulnerable communities, particularly in areas that have recently come under attack. One of the demonstrators, Femi Adeyeye, said the rally was intended to draw urgent attention to the plight of the abducted victims and the broader security challenges facing residents. According to him, kidnappings and violent attacks have become increasingly common, while citizens continue to live in fear.

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Teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State on Monday began an indefinite strike to protest the kidnap of teachers and pupils. A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who monitored the strike in public schools in Ibadan reports full compliance with the indefinite strike. Some of the schools visited included Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Model School; and St. Brigid’s School, Mokola. NAN reports that many students who arrived at their schools as early as 7:45 a.m. were turned back and asked to return home. However, an exception was made for candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) . Teachers assigned to invigilation duties were allowed into school premises, and only students taking the examination were permitted access to school grounds. One of the teachers, Mrs Yemisi Alao, told NAN that staff members in her school had been directed not to report for duty in compliance with the union’s directive. “We are all complying in solidarity with the affected teachers, pupils and their families. We pray that the abducted victims will regain their freedom and return home safely,” she said. Another teacher, Mrs Tayo Olutayo, said both students and teachers had been adequately informed ahead of the industrial action. “Only WAEC candidates and teachers involved in the examination process are expected to be in school,” she said. Reports from other parts of the state including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa and Igboora in Ibarapa indicate full compliance with the strike by teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has mobilised its members nationwide for a massive solidarity and advocacy protest in Oyo State over the continued abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, in a statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, described the prolonged captivity of the victims as “heartbreaking, disturbing and unacceptable,” declaring that Nigerian students would no longer remain silent while innocent pupils and teachers remain in the hands of kidnappers. According to Akinteye, the solidarity movement would include visits to the affected schools – Community High School/Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School – as well as courtesy visits to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) . The NANS delegation is also expected to stage a peaceful walk against insecurity in Ibadan. “I write at this critical and defining juncture to invite all NANS structures, sister unions, stakeholders, and leaders to a solidarity movement in Oyo State,” Akinteye stated. “This solidarity movement is premised on the continuous hostage situation involving our students and teachers following the gruesome and inhumane attack in Oriire Local Government Area. It has been two weeks since this cruel and callous act was perpetrated, and it is appalling that till this day, the abducted students and teachers are yet to be rescued. At this critical crossroads, silence is no longer golden; we must act decisively and forthwith.”

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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed to residents and families of abducted schoolchildren not to organize protests over the incident, saying such actions could make the situation more difficult and encourage the kidnappers. Speaking to residents on Sunday, May 31, 2026, during a thanksgiving service marking the 60th birthday and retirement of the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, held at the Christ Apostolic Church, Ibadan, the governor said the security challenge facing the state reflects the growing threat posed by bandits and terrorists operating close to local communities. He noted that the danger is no longer far away, as criminal groups have continued to move closer to areas where people live and work. Makinde urged relatives of the victims and other concerned residents to remain calm while security agencies continue efforts to secure the children’s release. According to him, public demonstrations at this stage may give the kidnappers the attention they seek and could affect ongoing efforts being made to resolve the situation. He said: “I told the people our reality. Our reality is that the bandits, the terrorists, are here within our doorstep. This is not the time for protest. The terrorists and the bandits are not normal people. If they had a reasonable head, they won’t be in the bush doing what they are doing. So if we’re protesting, we’re fueling their ego.” Makinde added that spiritual support was also important in resolving the crisis. “Only God can touch their hearts. We are making every effort to bring back our children and their teachers safely,” he added.

President Bola Tinubu has said no child should be abducted from the safety of a classroom as he expressed concern over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The President, in a statement issued on Monday, said he shared the pain and anxiety of the affected families and assured them that efforts were underway to secure the safe return of the victims. Tinubu disclosed that he had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government following the visit of a high-level Federal Government delegation to the Esiele and Yawota communities affected by the incident. He also ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to strengthen ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers. Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Ogbomoso and surrounding communities in Oyo State following the abduction. The delegation, which included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare, conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the May 15 abduction and reassured residents of ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release. The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be presented to President Tinubu for consideration. Gbajabiamila assured parents and community members that rescue operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to prioritise the safety of the victims.

Key facts from the crisis include the following: the date of the attack was May 15, 2026; the location was Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, targeting Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School; the number abducted was 46 people comprising 39 students and 7 teachers; casualties included one teacher, Michael Oyedokun, killed, with two persons killed overall; the youngest victim is two-year-old Christianah Akanbi; the NUT strike began on June 1, 2026, as an indefinite strike with full compliance across Oyo State, while WAEC candidates were exempted; hundreds of protesters marched in Ibadan and stormed the Government House despite rainfall, while NANS mobilised nationwide; the government response includes the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards, deployment of a specialised security unit, a high-level delegation visit to Ogbomoso, and consideration of a military base in the area; and President Tinubu stated that no child should be abducted from a classroom and assured families of ongoing rescue efforts.

Oyo Boils as Teachers Strike, Protesters Demand Freedom for Abducted Pupils

Police Warn Nigerians Against Reprisal Over Fresh South Africa Xenophobic Attacks

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning against any retaliatory attacks targeting South African nationals, businesses, diplomatic facilities, or investments in Nigeria, following renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have reportedly claimed the lives of at least two Nigerians.

In a statement released on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said security agencies were closely monitoring developments after growing public anger over reports of fresh attacks on Nigerians in parts of South Africa.

According to him, while the concerns of Nigerians are understandable, the police will not tolerate any form of unlawful retaliation.

“While concerns about attacks on Nigerians in South Africa are understandable, the public is strongly advised not to take the law into their own hands,” Placid stated.

The police stressed that reprisal attacks, violence, hate speech, destruction of property, and any act capable of disrupting public peace or threatening national security remain criminal offences under Nigerian law.

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The statement reaffirmed that Nigeria operates under the rule of law, adding that all persons legally residing in the country, regardless of nationality, are entitled to protection.

The NPF warned that any attempt to target South African citizens in Nigeria, foreign-owned businesses, diplomatic missions, or other lawful interests would be treated as a criminal act and prosecuted accordingly.

The police also cautioned Nigerians against circulating unverified reports and inflammatory content on social media, noting that misinformation could worsen tensions and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

Placid disclosed that the force is collaborating with other security and intelligence agencies to forestall any breakdown of law and order. He added that security has been reinforced around foreign embassies, strategic infrastructure, and sensitive locations nationwide.

The latest warning comes amid reports of renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg and Pretoria, where anti-immigrant protests have escalated into attacks against foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that the Federal Government is making arrangements for the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa for those willing to return home.

She revealed that more Nigerians have begun registering for possible evacuation as the government intensifies diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the protection of Nigerian citizens and demand accountability for the attacks.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad while pursuing a peaceful diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

Police Warn Nigerians Against Reprisal Over Fresh South Africa Xenophobic Attacks

Breaking: CBN Redeploys All Four Deputy Governors in Major Leadership Shake-Up

Abuja, Nigeria – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a major redeployment of its Deputy Governors, assigning new portfolios to the bank’s top management team as part of an internal restructuring that took effect on June 1, 2026. The changes, reflected on the apex bank’s official website, involve the reassignment of all four Deputy Governors across key directorates, including Economic Policy, Corporate Services, Operations, and Financial System Stability.

Under the new arrangement, Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, who previously oversaw the Economic Policy Directorate, has been redeployed to head the Corporate Services Directorate. In his place, Mr. Philip Chukwuemeka Ikeazor, formerly Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability, has been appointed Deputy Governor, Economic Policy. Similarly, Ms. Emem Nnana Usoro, who previously served as Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, has been reassigned to the Operations Directorate, while Mr. Lamido Abubakar Yuguda moves from Operations to head the Financial System Stability Directorate.

The redeployment comes at a time when the CBN is implementing wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening monetary policy effectiveness, deepening financial sector stability, and enhancing operational efficiency within the institution. The reshuffle follows the appointment and Senate confirmation of Lamido Yuguda as Deputy Governor, which was finalized in April 2026. Yuguda replaced Bala Bello, who was recently redeployed by President Bola Tinubu as Special Adviser on Political Economy.

As the new Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, Ikeazor brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience to one of the CBN’s most strategic directorates, which is responsible for monetary policy coordination, inflation management, and macroeconomic analysis. Before the latest redeployment, he served as Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability. Ikeazor has held senior executive positions in several leading financial institutions, including Union Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Ecobank, and Keystone Bank, where he served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. His banking career spans both domestic and regional markets, with professional exposure in countries such as Kenya and Uganda, where he served as CEO of Ecobank Kenya Limited. Industry observers regard him as a seasoned banking executive with extensive experience in regulation, risk management, and corporate governance. Ikeazor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Buckingham and has completed executive education programmes at the Wharton School, as well as the Wharton-CEIBS-IESE Business School Global CEO Programme. He has held various board positions, including Director of Union Bank UK PLC and Director of the Orient Bank Uganda.

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Dr. Abdullahi, popularly known as Dattijo, now assumes responsibility for the Corporate Services Directorate after overseeing the bank’s economic policy functions following his appointment in 2023. An economist with expertise in development economics, governance, and public policy, Abdullahi has built a career spanning public service, international development institutions, and economic advisory roles. Before joining the CBN, he served as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Kaduna State and worked as a policy adviser with the United Nations, as well as a consultant to the World Bank. He has over two decades of policy experience and is recognized for his strong background in development economics. He earned his first degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before pursuing advanced studies in the United Kingdom, including a master’s degree in Manchester and a doctorate from the University of Reading.

Mr. Lamido Yuguda will now oversee the Financial System Stability Directorate, a role that places him at the centre of efforts to safeguard the resilience of Nigeria’s banking and financial system. Yuguda was appointed Deputy Governor, Operations, in 2025 and previously served as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2020 to 2024. He has more than 30 years of experience in financial regulation, capital markets, reserve management, and economic policy. His professional background includes service at the International Monetary Fund’s Africa Department from 1997 to 2001 and membership of the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee. He began his career at the CBN in 1984 and later became Director of Reserve Management before retiring from the bank in 2016. A graduate of Accountancy from Ahmadu Bello University, Yuguda also holds a master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) . The Senate confirmed Yuguda’s nomination on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, following consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions. During his screening, lawmakers invoked the traditional “take a bow and go” privilege, citing Yuguda’s prior engagements with the Senate, including his previous screening as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Yuguda as “a square peg in a square hole” and commended President Tinubu for the appointment.

Ms. Usoro takes over as Deputy Governor, Operations, following her tenure in charge of Corporate Services. She previously served as Deputy Governor, Operations, from 2023 to 2025, making this a return to a directorate where she previously oversaw banking operations, branch operations, currency operations, information technology, and reserve management. She brings extensive experience in commercial banking and financial services, having worked across key areas including branch operations, credit administration, marketing, and business development. Before her appointment to the CBN leadership team in 2023, Usoro served as Executive Director at United Bank for Africa (UBA), where she developed and implemented strategic direction for Northern Nigeria, supervising 22 regional banks and 151 branches. Usoro holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Uyo and a Master of Business Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) . Her professional development includes senior management programmes at Lagos Business School and executive education at the University of Pretoria, as well as attending Harvard Business School.

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The latest management reshuffle signals the CBN’s effort to leverage the diverse expertise of its deputy governors across critical areas of the institution as it navigates evolving monetary, regulatory, and financial stability challenges in Africa’s largest economy. With the banking recapitalisation exercise ongoing and the transition to an inflation-targeting framework underway, the new portfolio assignments are expected to optimise the deployment of the deputy governors’ skills across the apex bank’s core functions. As the new Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability, Yuguda will play a central role in safeguarding banking sector resilience. Ikeazor, now heading Economic Policy, will be responsible for monetary policy coordination, inflation management, and macroeconomic analysis. Usoro’s return to Operations places an experienced commercial banker in charge of currency management and banking operations, while Abdullahi’s move to Corporate Services will see him oversee the bank’s internal administration and governance structures.

The management shake-up also coincides with the CBN’s transition to a new inflation-targeting monetary policy framework. In May 2026, the Deputy Governor in charge of Economic Policy (then Muhammad Sani Abdullahi) engaged with state governments through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat to deepen coordination on the new framework. Abdullahi warned that uncoordinated fiscal actions by states could weaken monetary policy signals and frustrate efforts aimed at controlling inflation.

For quick reference, the new portfolio assignments are as follows: Philip Chukwuemeka Ikeazor moves from Financial System Stability to Economic Policy; Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi moves from Economic Policy to Corporate Services; Lamido Abubakar Yuguda moves from Operations to Financial System Stability; and Emem Nnana Usoro moves from Corporate Services to Operations. Key takeaways from the redeployment include that it affects all four deputy governors and took effect June 1, 2026; Philip Ikeazor moves from Financial Stability to lead Economic Policy; Lamido Yuguda leaves Operations to head Financial System Stability after Senate confirmation; Emem Usoro returns to Operations, a directorate she previously led; Muhammad Sani Abdullahi shifts from Economic Policy to Corporate Services; the changes come amid ongoing banking recapitalisation and a shift to inflation-targeting; and Yuguda was confirmed by the Senate in April 2026 with a “take a bow and go” privilege.

Breaking: CBN Redeploys All Four Deputy Governors in Major Leadership Shake-Up