Category: PM News

Fresh revelations have emerged in the Oyo State school abduction that left two teachers and an okada rider dead, as investigators uncovered how suspected informants allegedly aided the kidnappers through real-time communications during and after the attack.

The Oyo State Police Command disclosed that phone conversations traced by investigators detailed how the criminals navigated routes within the Oyo National Park to hidden safe havens.

The breakthrough led to the arrest of six suspects, who are currently in police custody and assisting security agencies with ongoing investigations into the gruesome incident.

State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the arrests were made during coordinated operations across multiple locations in Oyo.

“Our findings showed that some suspects maintained communication with the abductors, providing information on safe routes and hideouts,” Ayanlade said. “Investigators are analysing these communications to uncover the full criminal network behind the attack.”

The suspects reportedly served as informants, guiding the abductors through the National Park undetected and ensuring access to secure locations.

The joint operations involved the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun, NSCDC, and Agro-Rangers, highlighting a coordinated, intelligence-driven effort to dismantle the syndicate.

Ayanlade assured residents that the security agencies are intensifying efforts to apprehend remaining members of the criminal network.

“The investigation continues. Our commitment is to ensure every individual connected to this heinous act is identified, arrested, and brought to justice,” he said.

The tragic incident, which occurred last Friday, continues to alarm residents across Ahoro-Esiele and neighbouring communities in Oyo State.

World football governing body FIFA says it is closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of the country’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has sparked fears over whether DR Congo will be able to participate fully in the tournament preparations scheduled to begin next month.

FIFA said in a statement to Brazilian media outlet UOL Esporte that it was “aware of and monitoring the situation” surrounding the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and remained in close contact with the country’s football authorities.

Reports indicate that the Congolese national team has already cancelled a planned three-day training camp and fan farewell event in Kinshasa due to growing health concerns.

However, the squad is expected to continue preparations abroad, with warm-up matches lined up in Belgium and Spain before traveling to the United States.

FIFA said it is “aware of and monitoring the situation” in coordination with health authorities and the Congolese Football Association as concerns grow over travel restrictions and player safety.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after hundreds of suspected cases and more than 100 deaths were reported in DR Congo and neighboring Uganda.

United States authorities have also introduced enhanced travel screening and temporary entry restrictions for travelers coming from affected countries, although exemptions are expected for participating teams and officials linked to the World Cup.

By Daniel Obaje/Philomina Attah

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau announced a combined donation of 1.1 billion on behalf of the 36 states at the presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon on Tuesday.

Mutfwang, who made the announcement at the event in Abuja on Tuesday, said his state, would purchase copies of the book worth 200 million for distribution to its tertiary and secondary institutions.

He further disclosed a collective contribution of 25 million from each of the 36 states of the federation, totalling 900 million.

He said the announcement followed consultations with Vice President Kashim Shettima, who serves as the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).

Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the presentation of the book titled, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”

Mutfwang said Plateau and the entire country remained proud of Gowon’s immense contributions to national unity and development, noting that his leadership remains a stellar reference point in Nigeria’s history.

“I bring felicitations from the people of Plateau. We are so proud to have donated you to Nigeria and to Africa.

“I am living a dream that I am privileged to be alive at this point in time, serving as governor of the state of origin of this great statesman,” he said.

The governor added that he was barely two years old when Gowon became Head of State in 1966, describing his presence and role at the book launch as a “living dream.”

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio described Gowon’s autobiography as a valuable historical record that would guide and inspire future generations.

Akpabio, represented by the Sen. Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory in the red Chamber hails Giwon’s contributions to the nation’s integration and unity.

He said Gowon’s famous civil war-era declaration, “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done,” remains a powerful reminder of national unity during a critical period in the country’s history.

He also hailed the Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation policy of “No victor, no vanquished,” stating that it effectively laid the foundation for peace and national healing.

In his remarks, former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who was represented by his daughter, Aisha, described Gowon as one of the most enduring symbols of Nigeria’s unity and historical identity.

Babangida highlighted that Gowon successfully led Nigeria through a turbulent civil war and post-war reconstruction period, while also establishing key national institutions that have outlived his administration.

He further observed that in a nation still grappling with divisive forces, Gowon’s record stood out remarkably for its neutrality and consistency.

“In a nation still wrapped by divisive forces and tendencies, it is to Gen. Gowon’s abiding credit that he has not been associated with any of the trending ethnic, religious, or geopolitical movements ravaging today’s Nigeria.

“He has, instead, remained one steady symbol and voice for a united, diverse, and inclusive nation,” Babangida said.

The event drew top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, alongside various former heads of state, governors, ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

(NAN)

By Isa Isawade

Academic activities at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos have been suspended following an indefinite strike declared by medical and dental lecturers under the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA-UNILAG).

The lecturers announced their withdrawal from academic, clinical and research duties following what they described as failed negotiations with the university management over unresolved welfare and regulatory concerns.

In a notice addressed to the Vice Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, the union said the industrial action officially started on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The strike decision followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum earlier issued to the university authorities.

According to the notice signed by the chairman of NAMDA-UNILAG, Ugburo Andrew Omotayo, members resolved during a congress held on May 15 to proceed with the strike after management allegedly failed to continue discussions on the union’s demands.

The action is expected to affect medical students across the College of Medicine, with lecturers suspending lectures, ward rounds, tutorials, seminars, laboratory practicals and supervision of academic research.

“Our members will not be involved in lectures of medical students, tutorial teaching, seminar teaching, case-based learning, clinical teaching in the clinics, the wards and theatres,” the letter stated.

The union also announced that members would stay away from university-related meetings during the strike period.

The notice added that, there will be “no laboratory teaching, demonstrations and supervision of research,” while lecturers will also boycott meetings involving the university, College of Medicine, faculties and departments.

All examinations have also been suspended.

No fewer than five National Assembly members from Cross River State have failed to secure return tickets following the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress, APC, primaries in the state.

The primaries for both the Senate and House of Representatives were held between Saturday and Monday.

Cross River has 11 lawmakers in the National Assembly, comprising three senators and eight members of the House of Representatives. All were elected on the platform of the APC.

While the three senators from the state secured their return tickets, only three of the eight House of Representatives members seeking re-election survived the primaries.

The three House members who won their return tickets are Joseph Bassey, representing Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi Federal Constituency; Peter Akpanke, representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency; and Victor Abang, representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency.

Those who lost their return bids include Emil Inyang of Biase/Akamkpa Federal Constituency, Bassey Akiba of Calabar Municipality/Odukpani, Godwin Offiono of Yala/Ogoja, and Mike Etaba of Obubra/Etung.

Another lawmaker, Alex Egbona, who represented Yakurr/Abi Federal Constituency, had defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, shortly before the APC primaries.

In the Senate race, the three serving senators from the state emerged victorious through affirmation.

They are Eteng Williams of Cross River Central, Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe of Cross River North and Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South.

Speaking after the exercise, the senators pledged renewed commitment to delivering democratic dividends to their constituents if re-elected in 2027.

Williams said he would continue to prioritise human capital development, adding that he had facilitated foreign scholarships for 36 members of his constituency in the last three years.

“I have sent over 36 people abroad to study. My priority is human capital development. That is why I am sending so many people abroad to study,” he said.

Jarigbe also promised to sustain what he described as people-oriented projects across Cross River North.

Ekpenyong, on his part, said he would continue to invest in young people, infrastructure and policies that would transform Cross River South.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn in Group L of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

In this group, Nigeria will compete against Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau for a place in the final tournament.

The matches will determine which teams qualify to represent their countries at Africa’s biggest football competition.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. However, Tanzania already has an automatic place in the tournament because it is one of the host nations.

This means Nigeria’s main competition in the group will be Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and they will need to finish above both teams to qualify.

Nigeria remains one of the strongest and most successful football nations in Africa. The Super Eagles have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times in their history.

They have also finished as runners-up five times and secured third place on nine occasions across 21 tournament appearances.

In recent years, Nigeria has continued to perform strongly on the continental stage, including another third-place finish at the most recent AFCON tournament held in Morocco earlier this year.

The team will now be aiming to maintain that level of performance and secure another qualification for the 2027 edition.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi stated this on Tuesday while reacting to recent incidents involving the killing of a teacher and the reported rape and murder of an elderly woman.

In a strongly worded statement posted on his official X account, the former Anambra State governor described the incidents as shocking signs of deepening moral and social collapse in the country.

“These are not isolated incidents but signs of deeper moral and social decay.”

The former presidential candidate questioned how Nigeria had descended to a point where teachers were being hunted and killed while elderly citizens suffered violent and degrading attacks.

“How did we get here? How did we reach a point where teachers are hunted and killed, and the elderly — custodians of memory and wisdom- suffer such dehumanising violence?” He asked.

Obi argued that the situation had gone beyond insecurity, describing it as evidence of a wider collapse in compassion, responsibility and collective values within society.

“This is more than a security crisis; it is a failure of collective humanity,” he stated.

“We have become desensitised, consuming tragedy briefly and moving on, allowing indifference to normalise the unacceptable.”

The former governor expressed sympathy for families affected by the incidents but stressed that public grief alone would not solve the country’s worsening security and moral challenges.

“To the families affected, I share in your grief. But grief alone is not enough,” he said.

Obi called for urgent systemic reforms and accountability, warning that continued silence and inaction could further erode the nation’s moral foundation.

“We must demand accountability and urgent systemic change. If such atrocities no longer move us to action, then we risk losing our shared humanity,” he added.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and commercial banks are reviewing the large number of transaction alerts sent to customers and the complaints about bank charges.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said this in Abuja after the 305th Monetary Policy Committee meeting. He explained that many bank customers are confused because they receive too many debit alerts for a single transaction.

To address this, the CBN has created a quarterly meeting system involving its consumer protection team, commercial banks, and the top 10 microfinance banks. The goal is to resolve customer complaints faster and improve banking services.

Cardoso said one major issue being studied is how banks send multiple notifications for one transaction.

He said this often confuses customers and suggested that alerts should be simplified and combined so people can clearly understand what each debit is for.

He added that the issue is still being worked on and solutions will be proposed soon.

On the N50 stamp duty charge, the CBN governor explained that it is not a bank charge. He said the charge comes from tax authorities, while banks only collect it and send it to the government.

He advised customers who notice wrong charges to first complain to their bank. If the issue is not resolved, they can escalate it to the CBN’s consumer protection department.

Cardoso also said the CBN has strengthened its monitoring system to ensure banks handle complaints properly, compensate customers when needed, and improve customer service.

The CBN is also reviewing how banks apply rules on charges and customer complaints, with the aim of improving transparency and reducing repeated issues in the banking system.

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.