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

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2026

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde addressing the protesters in Ibadan

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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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State (on red fazcap); Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (left) and others, protesting over the abduction of Teachers and pupils in Orire Local Government area, at the governor private residence in Ibadan, yesterday

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’

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Police Deny Sunday Igboho’s Role in Oyo Kidnap Victims Release

Published

40 minutes ago

June 21, 2026

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Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboh

Police Deny Sunday Igboho’s Role in Oyo Kidnap Victims Release

The Oyo State Police Command has officially dismissed claims circulating online that Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, played any role in the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. Despite widespread reports that captives regained freedom shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers, the police said there is no official confirmation that the victims have been rescued, nor any evidence linking Igboho to any form of intervention. The controversy erupted after Igboho, in a viral video, issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani community leaders demanding the immediate release of abducted family members or face direct confrontation. Shortly afterwards, unverified online reports claimed the captives had regained freedom, sparking celebrations and emotional reactions among residents, with videos showing people singing and dancing in the streets.

The Oyo State Police Command countered the narrative, insisting there was no evidence confirming any rescue operation linked to the activist. “The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the command said, adding that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police had not confirmed Igboho’s involvement in any operation. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the circulating reports as “unsubstantiated” and urged the public to await verified information. The Command also cautioned against relying on unverified social media reports, stressing that official investigations were still ongoing. The police confirmed they had obtained Igboho’s viral video and were reviewing it as part of ongoing investigations into his threat of action against suspected kidnappers.

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The abduction had earlier thrown the Igboho community into distress after armed men reportedly invaded the area at night, abducted members of a family, and demanded a ransom initially pegged at N300 million before allegedly reducing it to N150 million during negotiations. Tension escalated further amid conflicting claims that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier may have been killed during the incident, deepening public concern. Igboho, in widely shared videos, condemned the rising wave of kidnappings in the region and issued stern warnings to those he accused of harbouring criminal elements. In his ultimatum, delivered at the palace of the Alepata of Igboholand, Oba Joel Olawuwo, Igboho addressed Fulani leaders directly: “I give you people two hours to release the woman, her children and her sibling who were kidnapped in the middle of the night. If I don’t see them within the next two hours, we will face each other”. The activist also questioned the pattern of abductions in the area, claiming that victims of the kidnappings were predominantly Yoruba residents.

As of the time of reporting, uncertainty still surrounds the fate of the abducted family, with conflicting accounts persisting across both local and online platforms. While some reports claimed the victims had been freed and celebrations erupted in parts of the community, the Oyo State Police Command maintained its position that the circulating reports remain unverified and should not be treated as official. This is not the first time Igboho’s role in a rescue operation has been disputed. The development comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State, particularly the continued captivity of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area. On May 15, armed men attacked three schools in the Ogbomoso axis of the state, with two people reportedly killed in one of the affected institutions.

Police Deny Sunday Igboho’s Role in Oyo Kidnap Victims Release

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Sunday Igboho Fumes as Kidnappers Kill Pregnant Woman, Ransom Bearer in Oyo

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2026

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Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo

Sunday Igboho Fumes as Kidnappers Kill Pregnant Woman, Ransom Bearer in Oyo

The worsening wave of violent crime across Oyo State has taken a grim turn with the reported killing of a pregnant woman allegedly abducted by suspected kidnappers, despite ongoing ransom negotiations. The incident, which has sparked outrage across the state, reportedly occurred in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area, where a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling were allegedly seized during a midnight raid by gunmen. According to reports, the abductors initially demanded N300 million for their release before reducing the ransom to N150 million. However, despite negotiations, the pregnant woman was allegedly killed alongside an individual who had taken ransom money to facilitate her release, while at least one victim remained in captivity.

The development triggered a furious reaction from Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who accused the kidnappers of unleashing terror on residents of the community and vowed that such acts would no longer be tolerated in his ancestral home. Addressing Fulani leaders in Igboho in Yoruba, the activist expressed outrage over the killings and questioned how such an incident could occur in the town. “You can’t be kidnapping in my father’s land and expect me to keep quiet. I’m an original indigene of Igboho land,” he declared. “You kidnapped a pregnant woman, and the person who brought the ransom, you killed him and killed the pregnant woman, for what? In Igboho? You people are not even afraid of me in my father’s land?” he added. “This should be the last, and it must end. My father has urged me to address you patiently. What I’m fighting in other people’s land, you can’t come here and be doing it in my father’s land”.

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Questioning the pattern of abductions in the area, Igboho noted: “Since you have been kidnapping here, have they ever abducted Fulani? No, it’s the Yorubas they have been kidnapping, and it should not be like that. This should be the last, and let us stay in harmony”. Consequently, Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Igboho, demanding the immediate release of the remaining victims. “I give you people two hours to release the woman, her children and her sibling who were kidnapped in the middle of the night. If I don’t see them within the next two hours, we will face each other,” he warned.

Igboho further claimed that investigations had traced the victims’ whereabouts to several locations linked to prominent individuals within the community. “When we first tracked that number, it led us to Alhaji’s residence and they removed them from there in the middle of the night to Bani’s compound. They took them to Baale’s compound, where they currently are,” he alleged. Rejecting any possibility of the victims’ family paying the ransom demanded by the abductors, Igboho insisted that Fulani residents should collectively shoulder the responsibility of securing the captives’ release. “We don’t have any ransom to pay. You Fulanis should raise that ransom among yourselves and pay because we don’t have such money to pay. They started from N300 million and brought it down to N150 million,” he declared. “Fulanis should contribute the ransom and get the woman, children and her sibling released. If they are killed, we will have a problem,” he warned.

Hours after the ultimatum elapsed, the victims regained their freedom, prompting celebrations across the town. Videos circulating on social media showed residents singing, dancing and rejoicing over the return of the victims. The victims, said to include a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling, were reportedly released after days in captivity. However, details surrounding the circumstances of their release remained unclear. The incident had heightened anxiety in Igboho and surrounding communities, where residents had expressed concern over recurring cases of kidnapping, killings and attacks. The abduction had generated widespread outrage after reports emerged that armed men invaded the family’s residence during a midnight raid. The development came amid growing concerns over insecurity in Oyo State, where residents have repeatedly raised the alarm over cases of abduction, killings and attacks on rural communities, prompting renewed calls for decisive action from security agencies.

Sunday Igboho Fumes as Kidnappers Kill Pregnant Woman, Ransom Bearer in Oyo

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“Our Lives Are in Danger”: El-Rufai’s Wives Raise Alarm Over Surveillance, Phone Tapping

Published

3 hours ago

June 21, 2026

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“Our Lives Are in Danger”: El-Rufai’s Wives Raise Alarm Over Surveillance, Phone Tapping

Asia Mohammed, one of the wives of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has raised a public alarm alleging that she and her co-wife, Aisattou, are under surveillance and that their phones have been compromised. Mohammed made the allegation in a Facebook post on Saturday, expressing fears for their safety and claiming that their lives were in danger. According to her, unidentified individuals are monitoring their movements and communications. “They are following me and Aisattou. Let the world know that if anything happens to us, the Government should explain. Our phones are bugged… our lives are in danger!” she wrote. The claims have since generated reactions on social media, with supporters and associates expressing concern and calling for an investigation into the allegations. However, Asia did not identify those allegedly responsible for the surveillance or provide evidence to substantiate her claims. As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by government authorities regarding the allegations.

The development comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s continued detention and ongoing legal battles. The former Kaduna State governor, who is a chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been facing legal challenges since February 12, 2026, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly attempted to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after his return from Egypt. On the same day, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) invited him for questioning. Following the airport incident, El-Rufai alleged during an interview with Arise Television that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was behind the arrest order, claiming he knew this because he had intercepted and wiretapped the security chief’s private communications. When asked how he knew Ribadu made such a call, El-Rufai replied, “He made the call, because we listen to their calls. The government thinks that they’re the only ones that listen to calls, but we also have our ways. He made the call; he gave the order.” Pressed further, “So you tapped his phone calls…??” El-Rufai answered, “Someone tapped his phone.” When reminded that wiretapping was technically illegal, El-Rufai said he knew, but the government does it all the time, explaining that they tap calls all the time without a court order.

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The situation escalated on February 16, when El-Rufai voluntarily visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor. After spending two days in EFCC custody, he was transferred to the ICPC on February 18, 2026, where he underwent further questioning and his Aso Drive residence was searched. His legal team later filed a fundamental rights suit challenging his continued detention, but more legal battles followed. In April 2026, the ICPC arraigned him on a nine-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud, money laundering, and procurement violations before the Kaduna State High Court, where he was remanded in custody. On April 14, 2026, Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai bail of ₦200 million with strict conditions. However, a separate bail application at the Kaduna State High Court was rejected over concerns about his political influence.

The ICPC has defended his detention, insisting that its actions are guided strictly by the law and not politics. Commission spokesperson John Odey stated that El-Rufai remains in the commission’s custody based on a valid court remand order. “We are not detaining him on our own. We are following lawful orders. He is in our custody by court remand, so we don’t have any issues with that,” Odey said. He also rejected allegations that the anti-corruption agency was being used to pursue political objectives, maintaining that the ICPC prosecutes anyone found to have violated laws within its mandate, regardless of status or political affiliation.

El-Rufai is also facing prosecution by the Department of State Services over allegations that he authorised the wiretapping of communications linked to the National Security Adviser. In April 2026, the DSS arraigned El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security. El-Rufai, who appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, pleaded not guilty to all the counts. Count four of the amended charges reads: “That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, intentionally and without authorization, intercepted the communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as admitted by you on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024”.

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According to affidavits filed by the ICPC at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, operatives said they recovered “electronic magnetic equipment capable of tapping conversations” and “sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security” during a search of his residence. The ICPC also referenced remarks allegedly made by El-Rufai on Arise Television, stating that he admitted to tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser. He was asked to give consent to enable the commission access the equipment, but he refused.

The family has refuted claims about sophisticated surveillance equipment. In March 2026, his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency, denied reports that sophisticated phone-tapping equipment and sensitive security documents were recovered during a raid on his father’s residence in Abuja. He described the claims as false and politically driven, accusing the commission of waging a “media war rather than adhere to the rule of law.” The family rejected the list of items allegedly seized, stating that only “old discarded personal mobile phones… storage devices like flash drives and laptops” were taken from the house. “We were present when these items were seized. No equipment other than old discarded personal mobile phones, storage devices like flash drives and laptops, which are standard possessions of any 21st-century citizen, were seized from the property,” the family said. They further claimed the search warrant used for the operation was invalid and has been challenged in court. “Our lawyers have challenged this illegitimate warrant in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement said, adding that the warrant was obtained fraudulently.

Addressing claims that El-Rufai did not cooperate with investigators, the family said his silence was a constitutional right. “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent. This is not an act of non-cooperation; it is a fundamental human right,” the statement read. Quoting the former governor, the family added, “Charge me, if you have anything against me. You have had more than 2 years to investigate me. Take me to court, please”.

In May 2026, the family also alleged that DSS operatives attempted to take El-Rufai into custody shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, violating existing court orders directing that he remain in ICPC custody. Speaking outside the DSS facility in Abuja, Hasiat El-Rufai accused security agencies of subjecting the family to intimidation, surveillance and psychological pressure, stating: “We now live in constant fear. Every day we get a threat — DSS is coming to raid your house, ICPC is coming to raid your house, police are coming to raid your house. You are being followed. Our phones are tapped”. According to her, El-Rufai had been denied access to his personal doctors despite an earlier Kaduna High Court order granting him unrestricted access to lawyers and physicians.

Bello El-Rufai also criticized the bail conditions imposed, arguing they were excessively stringent: “Who keeps a person for 91 days? Why were the terms of the bail so stringent that it is practically impossible for anybody to meet?” He further accused the ICPC of issuing misleading statements and disclosed plans to submit a formal petition to the House of Representatives.

The El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) has also engaged Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based international advocacy firm, to campaign against what it described as the erosion of the rule of law and abuse of due process in Nigeria. The group described El-Rufai as “an accomplished reformer and senior statesman with decades of public service,” while rejecting the allegations against him. Speaking for the association, Mohammed Salihu said the case raised concerns about the state of democratic institutions in Nigeria: “The treatment of Governor El-Rufai is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a deeper crisis threatening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.” The group called on the United States Government, international democratic institutions and civil society organisations to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and defend due process, judicial independence and democratic freedoms.

“Our Lives Are in Danger”: El-Rufai’s Wives Raise Alarm Over Surveillance, Phone Tapping