Metro
Protest Rocks Ibadan over Abducted School Teachers, Pupils
Hundreds of protesters, on Monday, stormed the streets of Ibadan demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso.
The demonstration, led by members of the Take-It-Back Movement, teachers, students, and concerned residents, disrupted traffic along major routes as participants marched with placards bearing messages such as “Bring Back Our Children” and “Speak Up.”
The protesters expressed frustration over the worsening security situation in Oyo State, accusing authorities of not doing enough to protect citizens from kidnappers. They called for stronger security measures around schools and communities, insisting that the continued abduction of students and teachers has heightened fear among residents.
The protest comes amid growing outrage over the kidnapping of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The Nigerian Union of Teachers has since declared an indefinite strike, while Governor Seyi Makinde and federal officials continue efforts to secure the victims’ release. President Bola Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of specialised security personnel to support ongoing rescue operations.
Security agencies say efforts to rescue the abducted victims are ongoing as families and residents continue to call for urgent action.
Meanwhile, public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were deserted as teachers complied with the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on an indefinite strike over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in the State.
Reports said at Community High School, Ogungbade, Ibadan, classrooms were locked and academic activities halted as teachers stayed away from work in obedience to the union’s directive.
The strike also affected the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with some supervisors seen waiting for the commencement of examinations amid uncertainty over the situation.
Some students who arrived at the school were later seen leaving the premises after discovering that classes would not hold.
The NUT, on Sunday, directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the State to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, until further notice.
The union said the action was necessitated by the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted on May 15, 2026, from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area.
Hundreds of protesters, on Monday, stormed the streets of Ibadan demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso.
The demonstration, led by members of the Take-It-Back Movement, teachers, students, and concerned residents, disrupted traffic along major routes as participants marched with placards bearing messages such as “Bring Back Our Children” and “Speak Up.”
The protesters expressed frustration over the worsening security situation in Oyo State, accusing authorities of not doing enough to protect citizens from kidnappers. They called for stronger security measures around schools and communities, insisting that the continued abduction of students and teachers has heightened fear among residents.
The protest comes amid growing outrage over the kidnapping of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The Nigerian Union of Teachers has since declared an indefinite strike, while Governor Seyi Makinde and federal officials continue efforts to secure the victims’ release. President Bola Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of specialised security personnel to support ongoing rescue operations.
Security agencies say efforts to rescue the abducted victims are ongoing as families and residents continue to call for urgent action.
Meanwhile, public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were deserted as teachers complied with the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on an indefinite strike over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in the State.
Reports said at Community High School, Ogungbade, Ibadan, classrooms were locked and academic activities halted as teachers stayed away from work in obedience to the union’s directive.
The strike also affected the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with some supervisors seen waiting for the commencement of examinations amid uncertainty over the situation.
Some students who arrived at the school were later seen leaving the premises after discovering that classes would not hold.
The NUT, on Sunday, directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the State to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, until further notice.
The union said the action was necessitated by the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted on May 15, 2026, from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement by its secretary Olukayode Salami, the union expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the rescue and safe release of the victims.
According to the NUT, the prolonged detention of the abducted teachers and pupils has created fear and anxiety among members and discouraged parents from sending their children to school. more
In a statement by its secretary Olukayode Salami, the union expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the rescue and safe release of the victims.
According to the NUT, the prolonged detention of the abducted teachers and pupils has created fear and anxiety among members and discouraged parents from sending their children to school.
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
Ecobank Nigeria has concluded all preparations for the fifth edition of the highly anticipated Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, reaffirming its readiness to host local and international brands, partners, customers and visitors at the four-day fair scheduled to hold from June 11 to 14, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Bank has put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless, secure and memorable experience for exhibitors and attendees, further underscoring its commitment to promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship and intra-African trade.
Among the international exhibitors confirmed for this year’s edition are Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class from Sierra Leone, Drame Khadidatou from Senegal, Tampoori from Ghana, and Naylah Collection from the Republic of Benin. Their participation highlights the growing continental appeal of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience as a platform for cultural exchange, business collaboration and market access across Africa.
The event will also feature more than 100 exhibitors and vendors, including leading Nigerian brands such as Obida Design Associates, This Is Us, Imani Kids, Ashabi Fads, E25Dresses, Miné by Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Buss Fabrics Store, Aina Aladire and many others, showcasing the richness of African craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the Bank’s preparedness for the event, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said all arrangements have been successfully concluded to deliver a rewarding experience for exhibitors, partners, customers and visitors throughout the four-day fair.
According to her, attendees can look forward to a vibrant showcase of fashion, craftsmanship, art, music, culture and entrepreneurship, with participants drawn from Nigeria and several other African countries.
“We are fully prepared and excited to welcome guests from across Nigeria and the African continent to another edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience. From exhibition spaces and cultural showcases to networking opportunities and customer engagement activities, every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for all attendees,” Odu said.
She added: “The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience continues to evolve as a unique platform that connects creatives, entrepreneurs and consumers from across Africa. Attendees can look forward to exceptional products, interactive sessions, entertainment, cultural exhibitions and valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore new markets and expand their businesses.”
Over the years, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting indigenous textile production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and showcasing the ingenuity of African creatives. The event has also played a significant role in expanding market access for businesses while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the exhibition, participants will have opportunities to network, explore business partnerships, discover unique products and experience the diversity and vibrancy of African culture. The event is open to the public, and visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, fashion, enterprise and entertainment in a grand celebration of Africa’s creative economy.
