Category: PM News

By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani

The United Nations has said it is concerned about recurring terrorists’ attacks on schools in Nigeria. UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated this in a response to the recent coordinated attacks on multiple schools in the country.

Armed groups attacked schools in Oyo State over the weekend during which dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers were reportedly abducted.

Two teachers were also reportedly killed by the suspected terrorist groups.

“We’re, of course, very concerned. We have seen the continued attacks on children, on places of education in Nigeria by extremist groups”, Dujarric said.

“As you can imagine, these have devastating impact on the communities.”

Dujarric also said the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, was concerned about terrorists’ activities in parts of Nigeria, following the recent joint U.S.-Nigerian military strikes on ISIS targets in the country.

The UN Spokesperson said the UN system in Nigeria has been providing support to strengthen the protection of schools from recurring attacks.

“The UN country team in Nigeria, in all its components, has been working with the Government in the impacted region.

“This is to find ways that we can support and strengthen and help make schools more safe for students,and we will continue to work in that vein,” Dujarric said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Nollywood actress Opeyemi Aiyeola has urged her colleagues and other influential Nigerians to speak up against the rise in insecurity in the country.

The actress on her Instagram page, pleaded with public figures with large platforms and connections to highlight the rise in attacks and kidnappings in the region.

She noted the importance in speaking up, stating that the current security situation in the country should not be ignored.

“This video is just to call the attention of well-influential colleagues with the platform, the connection and the voice, to please lend a voice to the masses. I understand that the election is around the corner, and a lot of us are busy with the election, but unfortunately, we cannot pretend like we do not see what is happening. It is also very sad and unfortunate that this is knocking on our doors. This is closer to home than expected. Oyo State is closer to home. Please lend your platform, lend your voices,” she stated.

Aiyeola pleaded with notable individuals like the Ooni of Ife, Olubadan and the Obas in Lagos State to use their platforms to speak up.

“Our kabiyesies, the Ooni of Ife, Olubadan, the Obas in Lagos State, Lege, Eniola Badmus, Laide Bakare, Desmond Elliot. I’m so sorry I have to call a few names. This is closer to home than expected o. I’m not calling you all out negatively; I am just appealing to please let your heart speak. Use your pages, use your connections, use your links, use your voices. Funke, Toyin, I don’t understand, sincerely,” she added.

Former spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised alarm over an alleged plot to forcibly take former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai into custody from the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday.

In a statement issued early Monday, Frank said he received information suggesting that security operatives might attempt to arrest el-Rufai when he appears before Justice M.B. Idris.

“Pursuant to what appears to be a grand plan by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to politically eliminate Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, I have been reliably informed that plans have allegedly been concluded to forcefully take him into custody today from the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he is meant to appear,” Frank said.

He argued that such an action would violate existing court orders stipulating that el-Rufai remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending determination of ongoing court matters. Frank also claimed that security operatives convened the previous night to finalise arrangements for the alleged operation.

Frank warned that if any attempt to silence el-Rufai fails, authorities might resort to prolonged detention until after the 2027 elections.

The activist also criticised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, noting that the former civil rights advocate now appeared associated with actions inconsistent with the rule of law.

“Any attempt to forcibly remove el-Rufai from court premises in defiance of subsisting court orders would amount to an assault on the rule of law,” Frank said, calling on civil society, northern leaders, religious authorities, and the international community to monitor developments closely.

Invoking the famous warning of German pastor Martin Niemalller on the dangers of remaining silent in the face of injustice, Frank questioned whether el-Rufai was being unfairly singled out among former governors currently under scrutiny.

While affirming his support for anti-corruption efforts, he stressed that such measures must respect fairness, due process, and freedom from political persecution.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that it may no longer guarantee industrial peace if the Federal Government failed to take action on what it described as alarming and continuous rise in cases of violence, intimidation, harassment, and brutal assaults against doctors and other healthcare workers across Nigeria.

The leadership of the NARD said this in a statement by its chairman, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman on Monday.

The statement was issued in obvious response to recent alleged assault on health workers at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Suleiman, in the statement noted that such attacks on health workers have been recorded in 17 hospitals across the country in the past one year.

He listed the hospitals where attacks on healthcare workers have been recorded in the following in the past one year to include UCH Ibadan, FMC Owo, OOUTH Sagamu, COOUTH Awka, DELSUTH Oghara, Delta State HMB (GH Warri), AEFUTHA Abakaliki, FMC Jabi, KWASUTH Ilorin and UDUTH Sokoto.

The others are UUTH Uyo, UNTH Enugu, NOH Enugu, AEFUTH Abakaliki, FMC Jalingo, National Hospital Abuja and ATBUTH Bauchi.

“These are not just statistics. These are human beings. These are doctors, nurses, and health workers who dedicate their lives every day to saving Nigerians, yet they are being beaten, humiliated, threatened, traumatized, and treated like criminals in the very hospitals where they sacrifice sleepless nights to preserve lives,” Suleiman said.

NARD also lamented that while over 90% of the victims who are its members received nothing more than mere apology letters after the attacks despite suffering severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, destruction of personal belongings, and psychological scars that may never heal.

It also noted that while some assailants were reportedly arrested and a few arraigned before courts, none has been decisively prosecuted or punished to serve as a deterrent to others.

“This failure of justice has emboldened hoodlums and even armed personnel to invade hospitals and unleash terror on innocent healthcare workers,” NARD said while lamenting that hospitals that are supposed to be sanctuaries of healing are being gradually turned into battlefields and bloodshed zones.

The NARD leadership described the involvement of armed personnel in the attacks as recently witnessed in Uyo, Sokoto, COOUTH, and other centres as unacceptable, shameful, and a complete indictment on the nation’s security and justice systems.

It said situation cannot be allowed to continue, else it may degenerate into killing of health workers.

“Nigerian doctors can no longer continue to work under fear, intimidation, violence, and threats to life. We can no longer tolerate a system where healthcare workers are treated as punching bags by patients’ relatives, miscreants, and even security operatives who are supposed to protect lives and property.

“What started as verbal abuse has now degenerated into brutal physical assaults, destruction of valuables, invasion of call rooms, intimidation with weapons, and coordinated attacks on health workers on duty.

“Most worrisome is the repeated involvement of armed personnel in these assaults — as recently witnessed in Uyo, Sokoto, COOUTH, and other centres. This is unacceptable, shameful, and a complete indictment on the nation’s security and justice systems.

“If urgent and decisive action is not taken, we fear that the next phase may be the gruesome killing of healthcare workers inside hospitals.

“Nigeria is already battling an alarming brain drain, severe manpower shortage, burnout, insecurity, poor remuneration, and a collapsing healthcare system. Continuous assaults on doctors and health workers will only worsen the exodus of skilled manpower and further cripple healthcare delivery in the country.

NARD therefore called on the Federal and state governments, security agencies, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, hospital managements, human rights organizations, civil society groups and all well-meaning Nigerians to treat the issue as a national emergency.

The association demanded immediate prosecution and public punishment of all perpetrators of assaults against healthcare workers, implementation of strict hospital protection policies across all health institutions, compensation for victims of assaults and destruction of personal property, deployment of adequate security architecture in hospitals nationwide and immediate Presidential Executive Order mandating strict prosecution of anyone who assaults healthcare workers or invades healthcare facilities.

NARD warned that it many no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector if the Federal Government failed to curb the menace of attack on health workers and bring the culprits to book by the end of May 2026.

We are by this statement putting the Federal Government and all relevant authorities on notice. The lives of Nigerian doctors and healthcare workers matter. An injury to one healthcare worker is an injury to the entire healthcare system. The time to act is NOW. Enough is Enough!

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, is reportedly set to leave the Premier League champions at the end of the week, bringing an end to one of the most successful managerial eras in English football history.

Reports in the British media claimed the Spaniard would take charge of City’s final two Premier League matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa before officially departing the Etihad Stadium after nearly a decade in charge.

Guardiola’s expected exit came just days after he guided Manchester City to another major trophy, defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday to win the FA Cup.

The victory further cemented Guardiola’s legacy at City, where he transformed the club into a dominant force in English and European football since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2016.

Under the 55-year-old tactician, Manchester City won six Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups and the club’s first UEFA Champions League title as part of a historic treble-winning campaign in the 2022/23 season.

Statistics from the Guardiola era underline the scale of his impact at City.

According to club and football statistics records, Guardiola has managed over 590 matches for Manchester City, winning more than 410 games with a win percentage above 70 per cent. His teams scored more than 1,400 goals during the period while capturing 19 major trophies.

In the Premier League alone, City recorded more than 225 victories under Guardiola across his first eight seasons, scoring 755 league goals and maintaining the best defensive record in England during that span.

The Catalan also led City to an unprecedented four consecutive Premier League titles and delivered a historic continental treble that included the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

Guardiola’s attacking philosophy, possession-based football and relentless pursuit of excellence reshaped Manchester City into one of the most feared clubs in world football.

Despite recent speculation over his future, Guardiola had publicly insisted only days ago that he would remain at City until the expiration of his contract in 2027.

However, reports now suggest preparations are already underway for a managerial transition, with former City assistant and ex-Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca among the leading candidates tipped to succeed him.

Guardiola’s departure, if confirmed, would mark the end of a transformative chapter not only for Manchester City but also for the Premier League, where his influence revolutionised tactics, standards and modern football management.

By David Adeoye

Gov. Seyi Makinde has confirmed that some members the tactical team of soldiers, Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes have lost their lives in the ongoing rescue operation of students and teachers abducted at Ahoro-Esinele Community, Oyo State.

The Governor also confirmed the death of one of the kidnapped teachers as well as arrest of six suspects linked to the kidnappers.

Makinde said this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan on Monday.

He expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and assured his government would explore both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to rescue others in the kidnappers’ den.

He equally sympathised with the family members of the tactical team of soldiers, Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes, who lost their lives in the rescue operation.

According to him, the operatives lost their lives when they ran into Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), planted by the abductors.

He stated that the wounded security personnel were responding positively to treatment and that the government would spare no cost in taking care of them.

He appealed to the victims’ relatives, religious bodies and other interested parties to exercise patience, promising that the government will rescue and reunite the victims with their families.

“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he stated.

Makinde, however, said the government has achieved some success with the operation, with some individuals already arrested in connection with the situation.

“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality.

“Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists.

“Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state,” he said.

The governor acknowledged the need to engage neighbouring states to curb the influx of terrorists into Oyo State.

“We must appreciate the fact that with the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West and the North-East, they will keep moving southwards.

“So, we are talking.

“The Governor of Kwara has spoken to me, but the problem that we have is when you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to, also, either repel or neutralise terrorists fleeing the pressure point,” the governor added.

He also assured the citizens that they would be kept abreast of progress in the rescue operation through a daily briefing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Romano, posting on X on Monday, revealed that all terms have been verbally agreed between Mourinho and the Spanish giants, with only the signing of official documents remaining to complete the deal.

Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to return to Real Madrid, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano, posting on X on Monday, revealed that all terms have been verbally agreed between Mourinho and the Spanish giants, with only the signing of official documents remaining to complete the deal.

The 60-year-old coach is expected to sign an initial two-year contract and travel to Madrid following Real Madrid’s clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Mourinho previously managed the club between 2010 and 2013, winning the 2011-12 La Liga title with a record 100 points and the 2010-11 Copa del Rey. He also led the team to three consecutive UEFA Champions League semi-finals before leaving for a second stint at Chelsea in 2013.

Nicknamed “The Special One”, Mourinho’s return is expected to electrify Los Blancos fans and reignite discussions about his legacy at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The latest abductions of students in Oyo and Borno states are not isolated crimes. They are terrifying reminders that, despite years of promises, Nigerian schools remain dangerously vulnerable to armed violence and organised criminality. Across two different regions of the country, the insurgency-ravaged North-East and the relatively calmer South-West, gunmen once again invaded learning environments, shattered families, and deepened national fear.

In Borno State, suspected ISWAP fighters reportedly abducted about 42 children during attacks on schools in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area. Some of the victims were said to be between two and five years old. Witnesses claimed the attackers arrived on motorcycles and used some of the children as human shields while escaping.

Almost simultaneously, armed men stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting between 40 and 48 pupils and students, while at least one teacher was reportedly killed during the attack.

Combined, more than 80 Nigerian children may now be in captivity. That horrifying figure alone should shake the conscience of the nation.

Yet, beyond the numbers lies something even more painful-the growing normalisation of school kidnappings in Nigeria. The country has reached a dangerous point where mass abductions no longer produce the sustained outrage or urgency they once did. Headlines appear, officials issue statements, security agencies launch rescue operations, and then the nation gradually moves on until another school is attacked.

This cycle is unacceptable. For years, many Nigerians believed that school abductions were largely confined to insurgency-prone northern states. The attack in Oyo has shattered that illusion. The South-West, once considered relatively insulated from the horrors of mass school kidnappings, has now witnessed the same nightmare.

That development signals a frightening expansion of insecurity across the country.

From Chibok in 2014 to Dapchi, Kankara, Greenfield University and now Oyo and Borno again, Nigerian children continue to pay the price for systemic security failures. Every abduction weakens confidence in education, traumatises communities and pushes frightened parents closer to withdrawing children from school entirely.

The long-term consequences are enormous. A nation already struggling with one of the world’s highest numbers of out-of-school children cannot survive a future where classrooms become symbols of fear rather than hope. Teachers become reluctant to work in rural areas. Parents begin to see education as a dangerous gamble. Children grow up associating school with violence and uncertainty.

No country develops under such conditions. What makes the latest incidents even more troubling is the repeated pattern of vulnerability around rural schools. Many learning centres across Nigeria remain isolated, poorly protected and dangerously exposed. In several past attacks, communities complained about weak security presence, delayed responses and inadequate intelligence gathering.

The Borno incident again raised disturbing questions after reports emerged that the attackers struck shortly after security personnel reportedly left the area. Whether coincidental or not, such details reinforce public frustration over operational gaps and the inability of authorities to maintain sustained protection around vulnerable communities.

To be fair, security agencies in Oyo moved quickly after the attack. Joint operations were reportedly launched, escape routes sealed and rescue efforts intensified around forest corridors and nearby parks. But reactive operations alone are not enough.

Nigeria cannot continue operating a security model that responds only after children have already been kidnapped.

The country urgently needs a comprehensive national school protection strategy backed by funding, technology and accountability. Vulnerable schools require perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, rapid-response security units and stronger collaboration between local communities and intelligence agencies.

Government must also stop treating school kidnappings as isolated emergencies. They are now a national security crisis.

Equally important is the issue of justice. Too often, kidnappers disappear into forests and criminal networks without consequences. Ransom negotiations quietly become normalised because families and communities no longer trust the state’s ability to rescue victims safely. This fuels the kidnapping economy and emboldens criminal groups.

The damage extends beyond the immediate victims. Every successful abduction sends a message to other criminal groups that schools remain soft targets. Every delayed rescue weakens public trust. Every traumatised child represents a scar on the nation’s future.

Nigeria must understand the symbolic importance of protecting schools. A classroom is not just a building; it is a promise of opportunity, stability and national progress. Once children begin to fear schools, the country begins to lose its future.

The kidnapping of more than 80 children across Oyo and Borno should therefore not be treated as another temporary headline. It should serve as a national emergency demanding decisive action at every level of government.

A state that cannot protect children inside classrooms risks losing both its moral legitimacy and the confidence of its citizens.

Nigeria must stop counting kidnapped students like statistics and start protecting them like the future of the nation.

By Usman Aliyu

Mr Marcus Onobun, the House of Representatives member representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency has said he won the direct primary election conducted by the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the seat conducted over the weekend contrary to the results declared.

He therefore demanded to be declared rightful winner of APC House of Representatives primary for the constituency.

Onobun said this while urging the APC Primary Election Petitions Committee to review ward results and compare them with reports from officials, agents and documentary evidence.

“That I be declared rightful winner of the APC primary, having secured majority of lawful votes,” Onobun said in a petition he filed on Sunday to the APC Primary Election Petitions Committee, alleging ward results across the constituency showed his victory.

The committee reportedly announced Lucky Esiegbe as winner, in spite of Onobun’s claim that ward results indicated otherwise.

He said: “The party approved direct primary mode, empowering registered members across thirty wards to elect the candidate.”

He alleged irregularities in collation and announcement of results, saying due process was not followed in several wards.

Onobun who was elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defected to APC in July 2025.

He cited internal crises, leadership instability and deep-seated divisions as his reasons for abandoning the PDP.

He was a former Speaker of Edo House of Assembly.

Nigeria and the United States have conducted a new round of air and ground operations targeting Islamic State fighters in the country’s north-east, according to the US military.

US Africa Command (Africom) said the strikes took place on Sunday as part of ongoing efforts against extremist networks in the region. In a statement, it noted: “Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants. Complete assessments are ongoing. No US or Nigerian forces were harmed,” it said.

The latest action comes just 48 hours after both countries confirmed a separate joint mission that led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior IS figure described as the group’s second-in-command globally. He had also been under United States sanctions since 2023.

Northern Nigeria continues to face sustained violence from IS-linked insurgents as well as armed criminal groups responsible for raids on rural communities and repeated abductions.

Security tensions in the region have also attracted international attention, including criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has claimed that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government has rejected this, maintaining that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from the insecurity.