Makinde Seeks UN Investigation into Oyo School Abduction, Says Nigerians Deserve the Full Truth

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for an independent international investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident are too serious to be ignored.

In a strongly worded statement, the governor appealed to international human rights and accountability bodies, including mechanisms within the United Nations system, to examine the kidnapping and how it eventually came to an end.

According to Makinde, the purpose of seeking international scrutiny is not to discredit Nigeria’s institutions but to ensure that the truth is established and that anyone found responsible is held accountable, regardless of their position or influence.

“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institution,” the governor said.

Makinde further stressed that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of what happened from the moment the pupils and teachers were abducted until their release.

He said such an investigation should determine whether there were institutional failures, negligence or any form of collusion that may have contributed to the incident.

The governor also pointed out that the Constitution places the responsibility for national security on the Federal Government and the security agencies under its control, making it necessary for the public to receive a full explanation of the events.

“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear,” Makinde concluded.

His remarks come amid continued public debate over the circumstances surrounding the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, with different accounts emerging from government officials, security agencies and other commentators.

While the Federal Government and security agencies have maintained that the victims were rescued through a coordinated security operation, some public figures have questioned aspects of the official account.

Makinde’s latest call is expected to intensify discussions about the incident and could increase pressure for a more detailed public explanation of the operation that led to the children’s return.

Ogun Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover ₦2.2m Ransom Proceeds

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and recovered ₦2.2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities during an operation targeting a kidnapping gang in the state.

The police said the breakthrough followed efforts to rescue a victim who was abducted on June 11, 2026, at Ogbe Village in Ogun State.

According to the Command, intelligence-driven operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led to the safe release of the victim on June 18 after sustained surveillance and pressure on the kidnappers.

Following the victim’s release, operatives intensified efforts to apprehend members of the gang and eventually traced them to a hideout within the state.

Police said the suspects opened fire upon sighting the operatives, leading to a gun battle during which two suspected kidnappers were killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the operation include a single-barrel gun, one expended cartridge, a mobile phone, and a cash sum of ₦2.2 million.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved in the operation and reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He assured residents that the police would continue efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and strengthen security across the state.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Makinde Imposes 16-Hour Curfew in 10 Oyo LGAs Over Security Concerns

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The restriction of movement will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily and will remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours.

The affected local government areas are Oriire, Oorelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba.

The state government said the affected councils are located along areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.

The announcement was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government and made available through the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Residents of the affected areas have been advised to comply with the directive as the government implements measures aimed at addressing security concerns in the affected communities.

Nurses Demand Justice for Slain Nursing Student Vivian Chilaka

 

Vivian Chilaka

The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has condemned the killing of Miss Vivian Chilaka, a student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, Anambra State, and called for a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the Forum described the incident as a tragic loss to the nursing profession, Anambra State, and Nigeria as a whole.

According to the statement, Vivian was allegedly stabbed multiple times and later found dead within her residence. The Forum said a knife believed to be connected to the incident was reportedly recovered near her room.

The organization noted that circumstances surrounding the incident have raised several questions, including reports that a dog within the compound, known for barking at strangers, did not react on the night of the attack.

Beyond the circumstances of her death, the Forum highlighted Vivian’s academic achievements and personal struggles, describing her as an exceptionally brilliant student with a promising future.

According to the statement, Vivian lost her mother about ten years ago and her father four years ago, leaving her to help support her two younger brothers. Her academic excellence reportedly attracted the support of a sponsor based abroad, who encouraged her to pursue a career in nursing.

The Forum further disclosed that during her matriculation at the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, Vivian won six out of seven academic awards presented to outstanding students, earning recognition as one of the institution’s brightest students.

The group said her death has shattered the dreams of her family, colleagues, lecturers, sponsor, and the nursing community.

While extending condolences to her relatives and associates, the Forum called on security agencies to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the case.

The organization also demanded the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the incident and urged women’s rights groups, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates to monitor the case to ensure justice is served.

In addition, the Forum called on the Anambra State Government to immortalize Vivian through a scholarship or academic excellence award in her name. It also urged the government to support her family by covering burial expenses and providing educational assistance to her two younger brothers.

“The memory of Vivian Chilaka deserves justice. Her family deserves justice. The Nursing community deserves justice,” the statement said.

The Forum maintained that the case must not become another unresolved violent crime and called on authorities to act swiftly in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

Makinde Assures Families of Abducted Teachers, Pupils of Safe Return

Makinde welcomes Bala Mohammed

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured families of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state that efforts are ongoing to secure their safe return.

Makinde gave the assurance on Sunday while acknowledging a condolence visit by the leadership of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, over the abduction incident.

In a statement shared on his official social media page, the governor expressed appreciation to Mohammed and members of the APM for identifying with the state during what he described as a difficult period.

“Grateful to my brother, His Excellency Bala Mohammed, who led the leadership of the Allied Peoples’ Movement on a visit to commiserate with us over the abduction of our children and teachers in Oriire LGA,” Makinde stated.

The governor noted that it has been about one month since the victims were abducted and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring their rescue.

According to him, the state government is working closely with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils and reunite them with their families.

Makinde said the families of the victims have continued to endure emotional pain and uncertainty since the incident occurred, adding that the government remains focused on bringing the victims home safely.

“It’s been about one month since the incident. Together with the security agencies, we are doing everything possible to ensure they are safely returned to their families who have been in anguish. We will not relent until they are all back home where they belong,” he said.

The abduction of the teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area has generated concern among residents and stakeholders, with calls for intensified efforts to secure their release.

‘Come Out on Monday’, Sowore Mobilises Nigerians for #TinubuMustGo Protest

 

Human rights activist and AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians across the country to participate in a planned protest on Monday, urging citizens to demand action over the growing insecurity crisis and the continued captivity of many Nigerians in the hands of kidnappers and terrorist groups.

In a post shared on social media, Sowore appealed to Nigerians to gather in cities, towns, streets, and public squares nationwide to make their voices heard.

“Nigerians must come out on Monday and make their voices heard in every city, town, street, and public square across the country. The message must be loud and clear! #TinubuMustGo,” he wrote.

According to Sowore, the planned demonstration is aimed at drawing attention to the plight of citizens who remain in captivity as a result of kidnapping, banditry, and terrorist activities across different parts of the country.

The activist expressed concern over the fate of victims still being held by criminal groups and called on Nigerians to demand urgent and decisive action from the authorities.

Sowore has consistently criticized the government’s handling of insecurity and has repeatedly advocated for greater accountability from public officials on issues affecting the safety and welfare of citizens.

His latest call comes amid ongoing concerns over cases of abduction and violent attacks in several parts of the country, with many families still awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.

The planned protest is expected to bring together citizens and activists seeking stronger measures to address insecurity and secure the release of those still being held captive by armed groups.

#BringBackOurChildren: Protests Rock Abuja Over Kidnapping of 47 Pupils and Teachers in Oyo State

Tensions flared in the nation's capital on Thursday morning as civil society groups, human rights activists, and aggrieved citizens took to the streets of Abuja, staging a massive #BringBackOurChildren demonstration. The action was triggered by the horrific May 15 mass abduction of 47 school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has re-ignited national panic over school safety and escalating rural banditry.

Organized by the Take It Back (TIB) Movement and led by prominent activist Omoyele Sowore, the demonstrators gathered near Eagle Square and the Federal High Court around 10:00 AM. 

Brandishing heavily detailed placards reading "Education Not Abduction" and "Protect Our Children," the crowd fiercely condemned the federal government's slow response. The peaceful procession quickly turned into a direct political challenge against the presidency, with unified chants of "Tinubu Must Go" echoing through the streets.

The tragedy in Oriire hit a brutal breaking point after gunmen launched coordinated raids on three separate academic institutions, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and Community Grammar School in Esiele. An assistant headmaster was killed during the raid, and outrage reached a boiling point nationwide following the subsequent murder of an abducted mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, by his captors.

"Our governments have no interest in protecting you," Sowore stated while addressing journalists amid a heavy lockdown of security personnel. "Instead, they engage in frivolities. We are here to compel this administration to immediately rescue these children who are currently being used as human shields in the forest."

The protest heavily disrupted traffic corridors surrounding the Presidential Villa, where heavily armed police, military units, and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives erected multiple checkpoints to prevent demonstrators from marching on Aso Rock.

With public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State already grounded by an indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Abuja demonstration signals that the Oriire tragedy has transformed from a localized crisis into a national movement demanding sweeping accountability and immediate structural security reforms.

For a deeper dive into how this crisis has mobilized communities, watch this local coverage of Oyo Teachers and Citizens Protesting the Oriire Abductions, which shows the direct impact and local demands that catalyzed the broader solidarity actions seen today in Abuja.

June 12 Protest: Take-It-Back Movement Announces Convergence Points Across Nigeria

The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement has announced designated convergence points for its planned nationwide protest scheduled for June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

The movement said the protest is aimed at drawing attention to worsening insecurity, economic hardship, rising poverty, and what it described as shrinking civic space in the country. Organisers have called on Nigerians to participate peacefully and demand accountability from those in government.

LAGOS STATE : Ikeja Underbridge, 7:30AM

AGBARA BUS STOP, ALONG BADAGRY EXPRESSWAY, Lagos.

ABUJA : EAGLE SQUARE, ABUJA

RIVERS STATE : FEDERAL SECRETARIAT, PORT HARCOURT : 7:30AM

DELTA STATE : AMUKPE ROUNDABOUT, SAPELE |8:00AM8:00AM EFFURUN, ROUNDABOUT

EDO STATE : KINGS SQUARECRING ROAD), BENIN CITY | 7:00AM AUCHIUATTU JUNCTION). 

NIGER STATE : GIDAN MATASA BOSSO LOCUST, MINNA.

OYO STATE : CHALLENGE ROUNDABOUT, IBADAN

TAKIE JUNCTION, OGBOMOSO : 8AM

PLATEAU STATE : OLD AIRPORT ROUNDABOUT

YOBE STATE : 28,MAIDUGURI ROAD ROUNDABOUT BY FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, DAMATURU

TORONTO CANADA : SHERIDAN MALL, JANE & WILSON INTERSECTION, 1700 WILSON AVENUE, TORONTO, 4PM

DUTSE TOWNSHIP STADIUM, DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE

KWARA STATE : TANKE JUNCTION, ILORIN.

RIVERS STATE: Federal Secretariat Port Harcourt

EDO STATE: AUCHI, EDO NORTH

KANO STATE: Unguwa Uku, Zaria Road, Tarauni LG.

BENUE STATE : IBB SQUARE MAKURDI, BENUE STATE

As of the time of publication, convergence points for some states have not yet been announced by the Take-It-Back Movement. We will continue to monitor developments and update this report as more locations are officially confirmed.

Source: Take-It-Back Movement