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

Published

2 months ago

June 1, 2026

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

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Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Begs Tinubu, Makinde for Body Recovery

Published

5 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Begs Tinubu, Makinde for Body Recovery

The family of Deacon John Olaleye, one of two teachers killed during the mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has made an emotional appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to help recover his remains for a dignified burial . The deceased’s elder brother made the appeal following the release last Friday of the 39 pupils and remaining teachers abducted on May 15, 2026, after 56 days in captivity . “I am John Olaleye Olayinka’s brother, one of the teachers killed during Oriire abduction. We never knew he was killed not until we listened to the broadcast (by the governor). We beg the government to help us recover his remains even if it is his bone. It is about the future especially as it relates to his children,” the family member said . The family also begged the government to support the late teacher’s children’s education and provide employment for his wife to keep the family running . “Second, we would be happy if the government can support his wife with employment. The deceased left three children. We appealed to the government to help us sponsor their education,” the family member stated .

On May 15, 2026, heavily armed gunmen simultaneously attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, all in Oriire Local Government Area . The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, subjecting them to harsh conditions while being moved through forests to evade security operatives . Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, recounted the harrowing 56-day ordeal, revealing that children were beaten into silence, male teachers were chained and blindfolded, and the victims were forced to undertake dangerous midnight treks through forests . “You can only imagine it. It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, most of the time, under the sun and under the rain, with the children. But we kept going because there was no way out,” Alamu said . The principal disclosed that while she was not physically assaulted, several of the younger pupils endured severe beatings whenever they cried or made noise. The kidnappers would tie the children’s mouths with pieces of cloth and beat them . “The men had it worse than us. They were blindfolded, handcuffed and chained on their legs,” she added .

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During the 56-day ordeal, two teachers lost their lives. According to Alamu, Deacon John Olaleye was killed on the first Sunday in June, while Mr. Michael Oyedokun was also killed in captivity . “The deacon was killed on the first Sunday in June. They (terrorists) killed two colleagues of ours purposely because they felt that would force the government to give them whatever they wanted,” the principal stated . A third teacher, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises . Additionally, another teacher, Mr. Esiyan Adegboye, was shot dead on the day of the abduction on the school premises. Adegboye was buried in Ogbomoso on May 22 .

Security forces rescued the surviving victims on July 10, 2026, through a coordinated operation involving the military, Department of State Services, police, and local vigilantes . The operation lasted more than a month, focusing on identifying terrorist kingpins and dismantling their networks . The rescue operation claimed the lives of security personnel, including Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force . Additionally, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba, and an unnamed soldier also died during the operation . The Oyo State Government has honoured all the fallen victims in a memorial message, releasing an “In Memoriam” list containing the names of civilians and security personnel who died during the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota abduction incident . The civilians honoured include Mr. Michael Oyedokun, Deacon John Olaleye, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, and Mr. Oluwasegun Akanni .

The Senate approved a N50 million donation to the families of five victims—two teachers and three security operatives who lost their lives during the rescue operation . Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that each family would receive N10 million . “We’re extending a token of N50 million to be divided among the five deceased families—the families of the two teachers and the families of the three operatives who lost their lives—N10 million each,” Akpabio stated . The Senate President subsequently directed the leadership of the upper chamber to present the cheques to the bereaved families .

The family of Michael Oyedokun has also appealed to President Tinubu and Governor Makinde to help recover his remains . While Olaleye’s family joins this plea, they continue to wait for the recovery of his remains, hoping for closure after the tragic end to the 56-day ordeal . Governor Makinde, in his statewide broadcast following the rescue, acknowledged the pain of losing the teachers, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice . The Oyo State Government has committed to supporting the bereaved families during this trying period . The family of Deacon John Olaleye continues to wait for the recovery of his remains, hoping for closure after the tragic end to the 56-day ordeal .

Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Begs Tinubu, Makinde for Body Recovery

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Court Remands 19-Year-Old for Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

Published

5 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Court Remands 19-Year-Old for Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

The Anambra State Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Offences Court sitting in Awka has ordered the remand of a 19-year-old man, Chibuike Ikemelu, for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl . Ikemelu is facing a one-count charge of defilement following his arraignment on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, before the court . The prosecutor, Inspector Chinyere Okechukwu, told the court that the defendant committed the offence between December 4 and December 11, 2025, at Umuebo village in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. According to the prosecution, the defendant took the minor to a bush near her school premises where he allegedly defiled her. The matter came to light after the girl’s parents discovered she was pregnant and subsequently reported the case to the authorities.

The prosecutor stated that the offence contravened Section 3(2) of the Anambra State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 . The Anambra VAPP Law, domesticated in 2017, expanded the criminal jurisprudence of rape by making it complete upon non-consensual penetration of the victim’s orifices—mouth, vagina, or anus—with the penis, any body part, or even an object . The law confers jurisdiction on Magistrate Courts and High Courts to hear sexual and gender-based violence cases . The prosecutor prayed the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pursuant to Section 130(2)(a)(b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2022. Chief Magistrate Mrs. U.E. Onochie granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that Ikemelu be remanded at the Awka Correctional Facility . She adjourned the case until August 12, 2026, for hearing.

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Ikemelu was one of three suspects arraigned before the court on Wednesday, following the conclusion of police investigations . Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a press statement that the suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged incest, defilement, and rape . The other two suspects arraigned alongside Ikemelu include Ikenna Mojekwu, facing charges of alleged incest for reportedly engaging in unlawful sexual acts with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area, and Chukwuma Emenike, aged 16, who was arraigned on allegations of defiling an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area . All three suspects have been remanded in accordance with court orders, with their matters adjourned to later dates for further hearing .

The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its resolve to investigate and diligently prosecute all cases involving sexual and gender-based violence, encouraging victims and members of the public to promptly report such offences . The command assured the public that every report will be treated with the seriousness it deserves while safeguarding the rights of victims and ensuring due process . The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Offences Court has recently handled several similar cases, reflecting the state’s intensified crackdown on crimes against vulnerable persons, particularly children . According to the police command, cases involving sexual offences and child abuse are treated as grave offences, with all related cases being thoroughly investigated and prosecuted .

Court Remands 19-Year-Old for Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

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Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N8.9bn Assets Linked to Aisha Achimugu

Published

5 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Aisha Achimugu

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N8.9bn Assets Linked to Aisha Achimugu

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has ordered the final forfeiture of assets valued at approximately N8.9 billion linked to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu to the Federal Government. Justice Jude Onwugbuzie granted the permanent forfeiture order on Thursday, July 16, 2026, while delivering judgment on an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the final forfeiture of the assets. The court held that the anti-graft agency had met the legal requirements for the final forfeiture of the assets, paving the way for their permanent confiscation by the Federal Government.

The forfeited assets include a diverse range of luxury properties, personal effects and cash holdings, all traced to Achimugu. According to the EFCC, the court ordered the permanent forfeiture of jewellery valued at N4,645,170,294.9, 11 exotic vehicles worth N4,293,000,000, $50,000 (US dollars) in cash, and an additional N30,000,000 in cash. The combined value of the naira-denominated jewellery, vehicles and cash stands at more than ₦8.9 billion, excluding the dollar component. The commission had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order before applying for the final forfeiture ruling.

Achimugu, who made headlines in January 2024 for hosting a lavish seven-day 50th birthday party on the Caribbean Island of Grenada attended by high-profile Nigerians, has been under investigation by the EFCC over allegations of money laundering, corruption, and possession of properties reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained. In March 2025, the anti-graft agency declared the businesswoman wanted over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy and money laundering. About a month later, Achimugu was arrested by EFCC operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving from London, according to her legal team. She was subsequently granted release after the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, made an order following submissions by her lawyers. The court had directed Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC for questioning over the ongoing investigation and subsequently ordered the commission to produce her before the court with a compliance report. In her defence, Achimugu has maintained that she built her wealth through legitimate entrepreneurship since 2001, denying allegations that her money came from political connections.

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In a separate development, the EFCC also secured a final forfeiture order in March 2026 for **$13 million** traced to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, a company linked to Achimugu, with Justice Emeka Nwite holding that the anti-graft agency was able to prove that the funds were proceeds of fraud. Investigators alleged that part of the forfeited funds was connected to contractors of the Lagos State Government. According to court filings by the EFCC, the company emerged as a successful bidder for two petroleum prospecting licences during the 2024 oil licensing round, with financial commitments exceeding $37.2 million. Investigators alleged that $20 million paid towards the acquisition was partly funded through cash transactions routed via unlicensed Bureau de Change operators and intermediaries, including $13 million allegedly collected through proxies in Abuja and Lagos before being used for signature bonus payments. Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, the parent company of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, both of which the EFCC alleges she controls. Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd has since commenced the process of filing an appeal against the $13 million forfeiture order.

The ruling represents another major asset recovery action by the EFCC as part of its efforts to recover properties suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities. The final forfeiture order came a day after another significant development, with a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), after finding the assets were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The forfeiture of Achimugu’s assets marks the latest chapter in the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into her financial dealings, which have been closely watched by the public and legal observers.