Senate condemns Oyo school abduction, demands swift rescue
The Senate on Wednesday strongly condemned the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and a toddler in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the attack as a barbaric assault on the nation’s future. Lawmakers called for the immediate rescue of all victims still being held captive and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release. The Senate stressed that attacks on educational institutions threaten national development and undermine public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
Four Owo church attack convicts sentenced to death
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four men to death by hanging for their involvement in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Justice Emeka Nwite found Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris guilty of terrorism-related offences. The court held that the convicts participated in planning meetings and took part in the attack that left worshippers dead and injured. The judge ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Gunmen abduct Adelabu’s sister and twin sons in Ibadan
Gunmen have kidnapped Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State. The abduction reportedly occurred in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area on Wednesday morning while she was taking the children to school. Security agencies have launched efforts to locate the victims and secure their release.
Fresh Taraba attacks leave several feared dead
Several people have reportedly been killed following renewed attacks on communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State by suspected armed militia. Residents said the violence began in Didango village three days ago when gunmen ambushed youths returning from a football viewing centre, killing two people. The attacks have since spread to other communities, raising concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.
Five abducted Kwara worshippers die in captivity
Five worshippers kidnapped during an attack on an ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have died in captivity. The church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, disclosed the development to members through a WhatsApp message. The victims were among worshippers abducted during an earlier attack on the church. Their deaths have sparked grief and renewed calls for improved security across rural communities.
Naira weakens at parallel market, gains at official window
The naira depreciated to N1,398 per dollar in the parallel market on Wednesday from N1,385 recorded a day earlier. However, the local currency appreciated in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, strengthening to N1,360 per dollar. The divergent movements highlight ongoing volatility in the foreign exchange market despite efforts by monetary authorities to stabilise the currency.
Oyo Assembly rejects negotiations with abductors
The Oyo State House of Assembly has rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with bandits responsible for the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area. Lawmakers instead urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of all victims. The Assembly maintained that yielding to criminal demands could encourage further kidnappings.
Peter Obi urges NDC aspirants to accept primary results
Presidential candidate Peter Obi has appealed to aspirants who contested the Nigeria Democratic Congress primaries to accept the outcome and work together for the party’s future. Speaking during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Obi stressed the importance of unity and reconciliation ahead of future electoral contests.
Abia police arrest 17 suspected cultists
The Abia State Police Command says it has arrested 17 suspected cultists in a crackdown on criminal activities across the state. Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa warned that cultism and related crimes would not be tolerated. Police authorities said investigations are ongoing and promised continued operations against criminal groups.
Three former Osun lawmakers resign from APC
Three former members of the Osun State House of Assembly have resigned from the All Progressives Congress. The ex-lawmakers — Lekan Oyediran, Aleem Bakare and Folorunso Oladoyin — submitted resignation letters to party officials in their respective local government areas. Their departure adds to recent political realignments ahead of future elections.
ADC returning officer accuses Babachir Lawal of interference
Nicholas Msheliza, returning officer for the African Democratic Congress primaries in Adamawa State, has accused former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal of attempting to alter the outcome of the party’s presidential primary. Msheliza alleged that he was pressured to reverse results in Hong Local Government Area in favour of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen over Atiku Abubakar. He said he rejected the request and threatened to release evidence supporting his claims.
NLC backs teachers’ strike over school abductions
The Nigeria Labour Congress has thrown its weight behind the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers over the abduction of pupils, students and teachers. NLC President Joe Ajaero described the action as a necessary response to growing insecurity around schools and demanded the immediate rescue of all abducted victims.
Ugochinyere emerges House minority leader-designate
Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere has emerged as Minority Leader-designate of the House of Representatives after securing the support of 61 opposition lawmakers. The nomination followed the exit of former Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who defected to the APC. The Speaker is expected to formally announce the appointment at the next plenary session.
Atiku criticises Tinubu’s response to Oyo kidnappings
ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised the reported distribution of rice and relief materials to families of kidnapped schoolchildren in Oyo State. Atiku described the move as insensitive and called on President Bola Tinubu to focus on mobilising security agencies to secure the victims’ release. He argued that protecting schoolchildren remains one of the government’s most fundamental responsibilities.
FIFA names Davido for World Cup countdown concert
Nigerian music star Davido has been announced as one of the headline performers for FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles. FIFA said Davido will share the stage with Major Lazer at the June 10 event hosted at the Crypto.com Arena. The concert forms part of FIFA’s celebrations across the United States, Canada and Mexico ahead of the tournament.
Yinka Alaseyori apologises over Oyo kidnapping comments
Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has apologised following backlash over her comments on the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State. In a video posted on social media, the singer said she never intended to dismiss the pain of affected families and appealed for forgiveness from Nigerians, particularly parents and relatives of the victims.
Prenga predicts early knockout against Joshua
Albanian heavyweight boxer Kristian Prenga has vowed to stop former world champion Anthony Joshua before the 10th round when they clash in Saudi Arabia on July 26. Speaking ahead of the bout, Prenga expressed confidence that his power and aggressive style would be enough to secure a major upset.
Højlund completes permanent move to Napoli
Rasmus Højlund has completed a permanent transfer from Manchester United to Napoli after the Serie A side activated a purchase clause linked to Champions League qualification. The deal, worth £43.2 million including last season’s loan fee, ends the striker’s three-year spell at Old Trafford. Højlund scored 16 goals during his loan campaign and helped Napoli secure domestic silverware and a second-place league finish.
NEWS NOW:
