Makinde Vows to Rescue Oyo Abducted Pupils, Declares ‘Oyo Is Not Chibok’

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured concerned Nigerians that the 46 abducted pupils and teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 will be rescued, declaring emphatically that the state will not experience a repeat of the 2014 Chibok tragedy. The governor made this pledge on Tuesday while addressing a passionate protest led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who had gathered with demonstrators at Makinde’s private residence in Ibadan. The protesters demanded urgent action to end the rising insecurity and secure the immediate release of the hostages, whose whereabouts have remained unknown for over a month. The demonstration, which occurred more than four weeks after the initial abduction, was fueled by growing public frustration over the lack of transparent information regarding the welfare and location of the victims, with many Nigerians expressing concern that the situation was being allowed to fester without adequate government response.

Addressing the anxious crowd, Governor Makinde drew a firm line between the current situation and the infamous Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping of April 2014, when Boko Haram terrorists abducted over 200 girls from a secondary school in Borno State, many of whom remain missing to this day. He stated emphatically, “First, let me make it very clear, Oyo State is not Chibok and it will not be Chibok. We have lost men, soldiers and even officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed a few days ago. This is Oyo State. They know that this is not Chibok and that our children will never be in the same situation as the Chibok children. We are doing everything possible.” The governor’s reference to the Chibok tragedy served to reassure anxious parents and citizens that his administration was approaching the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserved, while also acknowledging the painful history of mass abductions in Nigeria that have often ended in prolonged captivity or tragedy.

The governor disclosed that the rescue mission has already exacted a significant toll on security personnel, revealing that a Nigerian Army lieutenant lost his life just days ago during ongoing efforts to locate and free the captives. Additionally, one of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, has been killed, further underscoring the dangerous nature of the operation. In a related revelation, Governor Makinde noted that the state’s security outfit, the Amotekun Corps, has paid an enormous price in the broader fight against insecurity in the region. According to the governor, over 200 Amotekun operatives have lost their lives in the line of duty, a staggering figure that highlights the grave security challenges facing the state and the sacrifices being made by local security personnel who operate with limited resources and inadequate armament. These revelations provided context for the protesters, demonstrating that the government and security agencies were not idle but were actively engaged in dangerous operations that have already claimed significant lives.

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In a deeply emotional moment that moved many in the crowd, Governor Makinde declared his willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice if it would guarantee the safe return of the abducted children, who range from nursery to primary school age. He stated, “If you ask me whether I can sacrifice myself for those children to come out, I will do it. I have lived a good life. I am almost sixty. It doesn’t matter. My own father died at 76. But if there is a potential for needless loss of lives, we will avoid losing more. But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it.” The governor emphasized that the young age of the victims – most being nursery and primary schoolchildren – makes the operation particularly sensitive and complex. He explained that these are children “who cannot even run or do anything for themselves,” requiring a careful and specialized approach to avoid casualties, as any aggressive military action could potentially endanger the very lives they are trying to save. This acknowledgment of the delicate nature of the rescue operation demonstrated the governor’s understanding of the unique challenges posed by this particular abduction, which is unprecedented in Nigeria for targeting such young children.

Governor Makinde revealed that authorities have been in communication with the abductors, though he expressed strong reservations about negotiating with criminals. He stressed that negotiating with bandits would amount to surrendering the state’s sovereignty, but acknowledged that the unique circumstances of this case have compelled the government to adopt a more flexible stance. He explained, “They are talking to us. It is not something I would normally do. If the government starts negotiating with bandits, it means we are surrendering our sovereignty to the bandits. But in this special situation, if we want those children alive, we have to bend backwards. Once the children are out, I give you the assurance that it will not occur again in Oyo State.” The governor gave his word that the children and teachers remain alive, stating, “I can tell you that there is no information that any of those children or their teachers have died as of today.” This delicate balancing act between maintaining state authority and ensuring the safe return of the hostages reflects the difficult choices facing the government, as any misstep could either encourage future abductions or result in the loss of innocent lives.

In a frank admission that shed light on the structural challenges facing state governments, Governor Makinde addressed the constitutional limitations that constrain state governments in matters of security. He noted that while security is one of the cardinal principles of his administration, he has no direct authority to deploy the Commissioner of Police or military personnel without federal approval. He stated, “I will not shift blame, but our reality is that the state government is not in charge of the security agencies. As the Governor of Oyo State, I am not in charge. The CP, I can call him, we can meet, but I cannot deploy him. If I say go to XYZ, he will need to get approval from the Inspector-General of Police. The same thing applies to the military.” This, he explained, was the driving force behind the establishment of the Amotekun security network, although he lamented that the corps remains inadequately armed to effectively combat the escalating threats. The governor’s candid acknowledgment of these limitations served to educate the public on the complexities of Nigeria’s security architecture, while also subtly calling for greater federal support and cooperation in addressing the crisis.

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In a show of solidarity with the demonstrators that surprised many, Governor Makinde expressed his support for the protest, stating that such actions are essential for holding leaders accountable in a democratic society. He told the crowd, “I will tell you the truth and nothing but the truth. One, if I am not in government, I will be with you. I will also be protesting, assuming I am not the governor of Oyo State. I do not have anything against what you are doing to have a society where leaders are accountable and a society that is inclusive.” This unexpected endorsement from the governor appeared to diffuse some of the tension at the protest, as he positioned himself not as an adversary of the demonstrators but as a fellow citizen who shares their frustrations and aspirations for a better-governed society. The governor’s remarks also underscored the importance of civic engagement and peaceful protest in Nigeria’s democratic framework.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed gunmen attacked schools in Ahoro-Dada, Yawota, and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The abductors are believed to have taken the hostages into the rugged terrain of the Old Oyo National Park, a sprawling area of approximately 2,500 square kilometres that poses significant operational challenges for security forces. The park’s dense vegetation, difficult terrain, and vast size make it an ideal hideout for criminal elements and complicate rescue efforts, as security operatives must navigate treacherous conditions while attempting to locate and extract the hostages without alerting the abductors. The victims include teachers and pupils, many of whom are of nursery and primary school age, making their prolonged captivity in such harsh conditions a matter of grave concern for their families and the broader public.

Governor Makinde assured the public that rescue efforts are ongoing and that all available resources are being deployed to ensure the safe return of the hostages. He urged calm while security operatives continue their work, stating that the government remains committed to bringing an end to the ordeal and that the children would be brought back alive. The governor’s assurances, while providing some measure of comfort, also highlighted the immense pressure on his administration to deliver a positive outcome in a situation that has captured national attention and drawn comparisons to some of Nigeria’s darkest moments in the fight against insurgency and banditry. As the rescue operation continues, the people of Oyo State and indeed all Nigerians await with bated breath for news of the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, hoping that Governor Makinde’s vow that “Oyo is not Chibok” will ultimately prove true.

Makinde Vows to Rescue Oyo Abducted Pupils, Declares ‘Oyo Is Not Chibok’

Cybercrime Trial: Court Orders Arrest of Omoyele Sowore

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, after he failed to appear in court for the continuation of his ongoing cybercrime trial involving alleged defamatory social media posts against President Bola Tinubu.

Sowore is standing trial before Justice Mohammed Umar on a two-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The charges stem from posts he allegedly made on his verified X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, in which he referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal” following a public statement made by the President during a foreign visit.

At Tuesday’s resumed hearing, Sowore was expected to open his defence after previously pleading not guilty during his arraignment on December 2, 2025. However, he was absent from court. He had earlier informed the court in a letter that he travelled to Lagos in search of legal representation after his legal team withdrew from the case, leaving him to temporarily represent himself.

Following an application by DSS counsel, Justice Umar revoked the bail earlier granted to Sowore and issued a bench warrant for his arrest, ordering that he be produced before the court to continue trial proceedings. The court noted that the defendant had been previously warned that failure to attend proceedings—especially under the ongoing day-to-day trial schedule—could result in bail being withdrawn.

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The DSS alleged that Sowore’s posts, made on August 25, 2025, were capable of inciting public disorder and were intentionally designed to damage the reputation of the President. According to the charge sheet, the posts described President Tinubu in strong language and were published across Sowore’s official social media handles on both X and Facebook.

The prosecution further argued that the statements amounted to cyberstalking and were capable of causing a breakdown of law and order under Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes Act. Evidence tendered includes screenshots of the posts, digital records, and correspondence between the DSS and Sowore requesting deletion of the content.

The DSS had earlier written to X (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc., demanding the removal of the posts and requesting the suspension of Sowore’s accounts. It also directly contacted Sowore, urging him to delete the posts from all platforms. While X and Meta were initially included as co-defendants in the case, they were later removed in an amended charge filed before the court.

Before the latest hearing, Sowore had also filed a motion requesting that Justice Umar recuse himself from the case, alleging bias and citing what he described as unfair treatment of his lawyers. He claimed that his legal team withdrew due to intimidation and the court’s decision to adopt a day-to-day hearing process, which he argued contributed to their unwillingness to continue representation. In the meantime, Sowore informed the court that he would represent himself until he secured new counsel. Justice Umar has not ruled on the recusal application and has continued with proceedings in the matter.

The court has adjourned the case for further hearing, with the DSS insisting that the defendant has a case to answer under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. Sowore remains the sole defendant following the withdrawal of X and Meta Platforms from the amended charge.

Cybercrime Trial: Court Orders Arrest of Omoyele Sowore

Gunmen Kill Two Soldiers, Police Officer in Plateau Midnight Raid

Suspected gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, on Monday night, killing three security operatives in an attempt to breach the nation’s premier policy institution. The assault began around 11:40 p.m. on June 15, when armed men stormed the facility and opened fire on security personnel stationed at the gate. This triggered a fierce exchange of gunfire as security operatives mounted swift resistance to prevent the attackers from gaining deeper access to the premises.

The attack resulted in the deaths of three security personnel, including two soldiers attached to the institute’s security detail and one police officer serving as an orderly to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police. According to sources, the slain police officer was assigned to a retired DIG, while the two soldiers died during the exchange of fire that followed the attempted breach. A staff member of the institute, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that security operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce confrontation to prevent them from gaining access to the institution. The swift response of security forces prevented the gunmen from penetrating deeper into the facility or reaching the residential quarters where course participants were lodged. One resident recounted, “I was sleeping when I heard gunshots. I didn’t know what to make of it, but when I woke up, I discovered it was real because the gunshots had already caused commotion within the NIPSS. It turned out that the institution was under attack.”

The attack caused widespread panic in Kuru and surrounding communities in Jos South Local Government Area. Bulus Haruna, a resident of Kuru, told reporters that the sustained gunfire shattered the night’s silence and threw residents of Kuru, Vom—home to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)—and other communities into apprehension, as heavy shooting echoed for several minutes and left many fearing for their safety.

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The NIPSS management confirmed the security incident in a statement issued early Tuesday by the Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr. Osime Samuel. In the statement, the institute informed the public that a security incident had occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of the day, but noted that the situation was promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies. The institute assured the public that there is no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities, and that normal activities are continuing as scheduled. However, the institute cautioned against speculation, stating it would be “premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event” and that it is “unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms.”

Security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the attack and stated that an investigation has been launched. Security presence around the institution has been significantly reinforced, and manhunt operations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible. As of press time, the motive behind the attack remained unclear.

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s foremost policy institution responsible for training senior government officials, military officers, technocrats, and policy strategists drawn from across the country. The institute plays a critical role in shaping public policy and governance frameworks in Nigeria, making it a significant national asset. The attack on such a high-profile institution has raised concerns about security around strategic government facilities in Plateau State and the broader North-Central region.

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