Uba Sani assures justice for Ummulkhairi’s family, promises support for children

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has visited the family of Ummulkhairi Usman Aliyu, the woman who was killed by a mob in the Maraban Jos area of the state, assuring them that everyone involved in the attack will be brought to justice while the government takes responsibility for the welfare and education of her children.

The governor paid the condolence visit to the deceased’s husband, Malam Aliyu, and other members of the bereaved family on Saturday, expressing sympathy over the tragic incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against mob justice in Nigeria.

Describing the killing as a heinous act that has no place in a civilized society, Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every person connected to the attack is identified, arrested and prosecuted.

“I made it unequivocally clear that those responsible for this heinous act will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the law. We shall pursue every lead with diligence and resolve, and no individual connected to this tragic incident will escape accountability,” the governor said.

Providing an update on the investigation, Governor Sani disclosed that 41 suspects have already been charged with culpable homicide, while another 30 suspects are facing charges of unlawful assembly.

He added that 17 suspects had been released after investigations found no evidence linking them to the crime, while 41 additional suspects remain under investigation as security agencies continue efforts to identify and arrest others believed to have participated in the attack.

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The governor stressed that the investigation remains active and promised that no one found culpable would be shielded from prosecution.

Governor Sani also issued a stern warning that any police officer found to have been directly or indirectly involved in the incident would face the full weight of the law.

“I further assured them that a comprehensive investigation remains underway and that any police personnel found to have been directly or indirectly complicit will face the full consequences of the law,” he said.

The governor’s statement comes amid public calls for accountability, with many demanding that both civilians and security personnel found to have played any role in the incident be prosecuted.

Beyond seeking justice, Governor Sani announced that the Kaduna State Government would assume responsibility for the education and welfare of the children left behind by Ummulkhairi.

He said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting families affected by violent crimes while ensuring the children are not deprived of educational opportunities because of the tragedy.

“We also pledged to Malam Aliyu that the Kaduna State Government will assume responsibility for the education and welfare of the children Ummulkhairi left behind. Our duty extends beyond words; it demands compassion, justice, and steadfast action,” he added.

The governor also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant her family the strength to cope with the painful loss.

The killing of Ummulkhairi has reignited national conversations about the dangers of mob justice, with civil society organisations, religious leaders and community stakeholders calling for stronger enforcement of the law and greater public awareness to discourage jungle justice.

Human rights advocates have also urged authorities to ensure that everyone involved in the attack is prosecuted, arguing that swift justice is necessary to deter similar incidents across the country.

The Kaduna State Government reiterated that it would continue working closely with security agencies until investigations are concluded and justice is fully served.

Uba Sani assures justice for Ummulkhairi’s family, promises support for children

Oyo Lifts Curfew in 10 LGAs, Sustains Manhunt for Kidnappers

• The Oyo State Government has officially lifted the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, following a comprehensive review of the security situation. While residents can now resume normal activities, security agencies remain on high alert and are intensifying operations to rescue victims of the recent Oriire school abduction and dismantle criminal networks in the region.

The Oyo State Government has officially lifted the security curfew imposed on 10 local government areas following the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area. The decision was announced on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, who confirmed that residents are now free to return to their normal daily activities .

The restriction, which initially ran from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily, was first introduced on June 24 as a 48-hour emergency measure designed to support ongoing security operations targeting kidnappers and other criminal elements operating around the Old Oyo National Park . The curfew was later extended by an additional 24 hours on Thursday, June 25, to allow security operatives more time to carry out coordinated operations across the affected councils .

The 10 local government areas affected by the curfew are Atiba, Atisbo, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Olorunsogo, Oriire, Oorelope, Saki West, and Saki East—all of which share boundaries with the Old Oyo National Park . These communities have been under heightened security watch following the May 15 coordinated attack on three schools located in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, where armed assailants kidnapped scores of pupils and teachers, triggering widespread concern over rising insecurity in Nigeria’s South-West region .

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Announcing the development in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday, Commissioner Oyelade expressed appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of residents in the affected councils throughout the period of the restriction. He reassured the public that the state government is maintaining close surveillance of the security situation, adding that efforts are continuing to tackle the kidnapping incident and ensure the safety of lives and property .

According to Oyelade, the government is closely monitoring the security situation, and efforts are ongoing to bring the kidnapping episode to a successful conclusion. He confirmed that although the movement restriction had been lifted, security forces will remain on the ground to ensure the rescue of abducted victims and restore lasting peace .

The state government has intensified rescue operations in collaboration with the military, the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies. Officials have consistently maintained that securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers remains a top priority while efforts to eliminate criminal activities in the affected communities continue .

The Federal Government has also weighed in on the security situation, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reassuring residents of Oyo State and the South-West that every realistic measure, including international collaboration, is being taken to ensure the kidnapped victims are safely brought home without harm or avoidable loss of life. The President urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies through intelligence sharing and community collaboration.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had earlier visited the affected communities and the abducted children’s families to reassure them of the government’s commitment to their rescue. He described the incident as deeply distressing and promised that no resources would be spared in ensuring the safe return of all abducted persons.

The Oyo State House of Assembly also passed a resolution commending the state government and security agencies for their swift response to the crisis, while calling for sustained efforts to address the root causes of insecurity in the border communities. Lawmakers urged the government to strengthen community policing and invest in intelligence-gathering infrastructure to prevent future occurrences.

Community leaders and traditional rulers in the affected local government areas have welcomed the lifting of the curfew, describing it as a sign of improving security. However, they also called on the government to maintain a strong security presence and address other challenges such as illegal mining and herder-farmer conflicts, which they believe contribute to the insecurity in the region.

Security analysts have noted that the lifting of the curfew suggests that the immediate threat has been contained, but they caution that the government must remain vigilant. They have called for a comprehensive approach that combines military operations with dialogue and development initiatives to address the underlying factors driving kidnapping and banditry in the area.

Efforts are currently underway to track down the fleeing suspects, with security patrols and intelligence-gathering operations ongoing across the affected local government areas. The state government has appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid in the battle against crime.

Oyo Lifts Curfew in 10 LGAs, Sustains Manhunt for Kidnappers

Police Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Edo Forest After Fierce Gun Duel with Abductors

Edo State Police Command operatives, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, have successfully rescued 11 farm workers who were abducted by armed kidnappers in the Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, Edo North. All victims were recovered unhurt after a tactical operation that forced the suspects to abandon their captives and flee into the forest.

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims in the Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, Edo North, following a distress call that triggered a swift and coordinated security response. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the victims—nine males and two females—were abducted while working on their farms in the agrarian community. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m., prompted an immediate intervention from the Iyahmo Divisional Police Headquarters.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a combined team of police operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters into the surrounding forest where the kidnappers had taken their captives. The rescue team tracked the abductors to their hideout, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted several minutes. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical maneuvering of the security forces, the armed suspects abandoned the victims and fled deeper into the forest.

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Ikoedem confirmed that all 11 rescued persons were found unhurt and were immediately taken to a medical facility for routine health assessment. They have since been reunited with their families. The rescued individuals have been identified as Braimah Destiny, a 46-year-old male; Aruna Idris, a 38-year-old male; Abudu Sharafadeem, a 38-year-old male; Godwin Elizabeth, a 28-year-old female; James Favour, a 28-year-old female; Nonso Ana, a 30-year-old male; Abdulilia Ozigi, a 26-year-old male; Lambo James, a 27-year-old male; Wasia Abdul, a 48-year-old male; Lucky Emmanuel, a 24-year-old male; and Suleman Aliyu, a 25-year-old male.

In a statement, the Commissioner of Police for Edo State, Monday Agbonika, praised the bravery and professionalism displayed by the police operatives, vigilantes, and hunters who risked their lives to ensure the safe return of the victims. He reiterated that the command has intensified security operations across the region and remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property. CP Agbonika also appealed to residents of Edo communities to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the ongoing battle against kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes in the state.

Efforts are currently underway to track down the fleeing suspects, with security patrols and intelligence-gathering operations ongoing in the area.

Police Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Edo Forest After Fierce Gun Duel with Abductors