Category: PM News

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has described the testimonies of the recently rescued students and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as heartbreaking, revealing that the victims endured severe hardship during more than 50 days in captivity.

The monarch made the remarks after leading a delegation to the Ojoo Military Cantonment, where they met the rescued victims who are receiving care following their release.

The delegation included the Alaajawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, the Onisapa of Isapa, Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide, and Senator Fatai Buhari. They were received by the General Officer Commanding and other senior military officers.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Oba Olaoye said listening to the victims’ experiences was an emotional moment.

‘Listening to their testimonies was deeply emotional. Their account of life in the bush revealed the unimaginable hardship they endured,’ he said.

The monarch disclosed that some of the details narrated by the victims were particularly distressing.

‘Particularly heartbreaking were the revelation that the male teachers were kept chained and blindfolded throughout their captivity and the gruesome killing of one of the teachers. No human being deserves such cruel and inhumane treatment at the hands of evil.’

Despite the painful accounts, the traditional ruler said the safe return of the victims was a cause for thanksgiving.

‘Today, however, we choose gratitude over grief. Their safe return is a powerful reminder that God still answers prayers. We give Him all the glory for preserving their lives and bringing them back to their families and loved ones; all the children and teachers are currently being cared for in the hospital.’

He added that what many had feared would end in tragedy had instead become ‘a testimony of God’s mercy and faithfulness.’

Oba Olaoye also commended the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies and everyone who played a role in securing the victims’ freedom.

‘I also express my profound appreciation to the federal and state governments, the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF), all security agencies, and every individual whose unwavering commitment and sacrifice contributed to this successful outcome. Your courage and dedication continue to inspire hope,’ he said.

The monarch urged Nigerians not to forget those who remain in the hands of kidnappers, calling for sustained prayers for their release.

‘As we celebrate this answered prayer, let us continue to remember those who remain in captivity across our nation and pray earnestly for their safe return. May the Almighty comfort every family that has experienced the pain of insecurity and strengthen all those working tirelessly to restore peace.’

He also prayed that Ogbomosoland would be spared similar tragedies in the future.

‘It is my heartfelt prayer that Ogbomosoland will never experience such sorrow. May God continue to preserve our land, protect our people, and establish lasting peace and security throughout our communities.’

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced another breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against insurgents in the North East, saying its fighter aircraft destroyed a terrorist hideout and eliminated several fighters during a precision operation in Borno State.

The operation, carried out on Friday by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, targeted Yaganari in the Gezuwa general area following intelligence reports of renewed terrorist activity.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said extensive surveillance confirmed the presence of terrorists, their facilities and logistics bases before the strikes were authorised.

‘Acting on credible intelligence on renewed terrorist activities and the concentration of fighters in the area, the Air Component conducted intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions which confirmed the presence of terrorist structures and logistics hubs,’ Ejodame said.

He added: ‘The targets were subsequently engaged in a series of precision strikes, leading to the destruction of terrorist infrastructure and the neutralization of several terrorists.’

According to him, the latest operation highlights the increasing pressure being exerted on insurgent groups across the region.

‘The successful operation further underscores the growing pressure being mounted on terrorist elements, whose freedom of movement and ability to regroup continue to be severely degraded by sustained air offensives,’ he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the officers and personnel who participated in the mission, commending their professionalism and commitment.

He also reaffirmed the Air Force’s determination to sustain aggressive operations against terrorists and other threats to national security.

‘The Nigerian Air Force will continue to deliver decisive air power in concert with surface forces to hunt down, disrupt and destroy terrorist elements wherever they may seek refuge,’ the air chief said.

‘We remain committed to ensuring that terrorists have no safe haven and no opportunity to recover their capabilities.’

Aneke added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain focused on consolidating the gains already achieved in the country’s counter-terrorism operations and would continue efforts to deny insurgents the ability to regroup or launch fresh attacks.

A 26-year-old man, Mayan Hirani, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for killing a food delivery worker in a high-speed hit-and-run crash in east London before fleeing the scene.

Hirani, of Grange Crescent, Chigwell, received the sentence at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday after being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop following the fatal collision.

The incident occurred on March 16, 2024, in Ilford, where Mohammed Furuk Ahmed had briefly parked his vehicle to deliver food. As he attempted to cross the road, he was struck by a Range Rover travelling at between 64 and 68 miles per hour-more than twice the legal speed limit.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and fought to save Ahmed’s life, but he sustained catastrophic injuries and died in hospital the following day.

Rather than stop to render assistance, Hirani sped away from the scene.

Police launched an extensive investigation, using closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and other forensic enquiries to trace the Range Rover to a garage in east London. Hirani was subsequently identified and later admitted he had been behind the wheel at the time of the crash.

Lead investigator, Detective Constable Tristan Hunter, said the conviction marked an important step in securing justice for the victim’s family.

‘Our thoughts remain with Mr Ahmed’s family and loved ones, who continue to live with the devastating consequences of his death,’ Hunter said.

‘While no sentence can undo the pain caused by Mr Ahmed’s passing, I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice for his family and demonstrates our commitment to holding dangerous drivers accountable.’

In addition to the prison sentence, the court disqualified Hirani from driving for five years. He must also pass an extended driving test before he can legally return to the road.

Ogun governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described successful rescue of schoolchildren and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as a vindication of President Bola Tinubu’s assurance that every effort would be made to secure their freedom and ensure those responsible, faced justice.

Abiodun said this while congratulating President Tinubu on the successful rescue of the abductees in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday.

The Governor described the operation that led to the rescue of the abductees as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

According to him, the arrest of eight suspects and the neutralisation of others during the operation sent a strong message that kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals would not find safe haven in Nigeria.

He said that the operation demonstrated the Federal Government’s determination to pursue criminal elements relentlessly and deal with them in accordance with the law.

‘This operation has demonstrated that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu there will be no safe haven for criminal elements.

‘It is a clear signal that those who choose the path of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes will be relentlessly pursued, apprehended or neutralised in accordance with the law,’ the governor said.

Abiodun commended the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), local intelligence operatives and other security agencies for their professionalism, courage and coordinated efforts.

He also praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies throughout the victims’ captivity, saying the partnership contributed to the successful rescue.

The governor said that the operation reinforced the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s renewed security strategy implemented in collaboration with state governments and security agencies.

Abiodun urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to prevent criminal activities and enhance public safety.

He reaffirmed Ogun State’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, neighbouring states and security agencies to ensure criminals have no refuge in the South-West.

The 46 abducted teachers and pupils, taken captive on May 15 from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA, regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity.

Reports have it that eight of the suspected kidnappers were arrested by security operative while some others were neutralised.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, has described the rescue of the Oriire abducted victims as a collective victory for all.

The speaker said this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Oyetunji Oyekunle.

Ogundoyin said the victims’ safe return has brought immense relief, hope and joy to their families, communities and all residents of the state who anxiously prayed for a successful outcome.

According to him, the rescue marks the end of a painful ordeal and demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated security operations involving federal and state security institutions.

‘I warmly welcome the cheering news of the safe rescue of the abducted pupils, teachers and other victims from Oriire Local Government.

‘We are grateful that what began as a painful ordeal has ended with their safe return,’ the speaker said.

Ogundoyin commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary support and praised Gov. Seyi Makinde for his proactive leadership and steadfast commitment to protecting lives and property.

The speaker further applauded all security agencies, local vigilance groups, local hunters, and intelligence operatives whose professionalism, courage and synergy culminated in the successful rescue of the victims.

According to him, the operation has once again shown that effective collaboration among all remains critical to tackling insecurity across the country.

Ogundoyin stressed that Nigeria must continue strengthening its security framework, noting that current realities make a stronger case for the establishment of state police.

According to him, the decentralisation of policing will significantly enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response to security threats and community-based crime prevention.

He, therefore, urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has asked former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to publicly apologise to airport personnel and pay a N25,000 fine for violating parking regulations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The minister issued the demand after ordering an internal investigation into Obi’s claim that his vehicle was unjustly clamped at the airport as part of what he described as a ‘persecution agenda’ by the Federal Government.

In a statement on Friday, Keyamo said he considered it his responsibility to investigate the allegation, stressing that every Nigerian deserved fair treatment regardless of political affiliation.

According to him, the investigation relied on the airport’s 24-hour CCTV surveillance system, which he said captured the entire incident.

Keyamo said the footage showed that on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at exactly 8:28 p.m., Obi arrived at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja in a vehicle driven by a police officer.

He said Obi and two other occupants alighted and entered the terminal building, after which the police driver parked the vehicle in a drop-off zone, ‘almost blocking the entrance,’ before also leaving the vehicle unattended and entering the terminal.

The minister explained that airport regulations require drivers to remain behind the wheel while using the drop-off area and that unattended vehicles are liable to enforcement action because of the security risks they pose.

According to Keyamo, the police driver briefly returned to the vehicle at about 8:32 p.m. to retrieve an item before leaving it unattended again.

He said airport security personnel subsequently clamped the vehicle’s tyres, adding that no one was inside the vehicle at the time and that officials were unaware it belonged to Obi.

‘When the Policeman returned again and discovered the tyres were clamped, he was directed to an office and upon getting there, he called Mr. Peter Obi on his phone and gave the phone to the manager,’ Keyamo stated.

He alleged that Obi identified himself to the airport manager, requested the release of the vehicle and that the vehicle was released without payment of the prescribed fine.

The minister added that the vehicle remained unattended in the prohibited zone for about 30 minutes, describing the situation as a security risk under international airport safety standards.

Keyamo rejected Obi’s claim that other motorists also violated the parking rules on the same day, describing the assertion as false.

He further accused the former Anambra State governor of attempting to generate public sympathy by portraying routine enforcement of airport regulations as political persecution.

The minister said the matter had initially been resolved quietly by airport authorities but became public after Obi allegedly presented what he described as a false account of the incident.

Consequently, Keyamo demanded that Obi issue an unreserved public apology to the airport personnel whom he said were unfairly portrayed as persecutors while carrying out their official duties.

He also asked Obi to voluntarily return to the airport within one week to pay the N25,000 fine for wrongful parking, alleging that the former presidential candidate used influence to secure the release of the vehicle without paying the penalty.

Keyamo warned that if Obi failed to comply within the stipulated period, he would direct the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to take further action.

The minister said he had attached the relevant CCTV footage to support his account of the incident.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, while calling for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s security system.

Obi, in a statement on his verified X handle on Saturday, expressed relief over the safe return of the victims and commended security personnel and others involved in the operation.

‘I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped,’ Obi said.

He praised those who worked behind the scenes to secure the freedom of the pupils and teachers, describing their efforts as tireless.

However, the former Anambra State governor warned that the successful rescue should not overshadow the wider challenge of kidnapping across the country.

Obi said repeated attacks, especially those targeting schoolchildren, showed the need for stronger security measures to protect Nigerians.

‘While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma,’ he said.

He added that children should be able to attend school without fear of violence or abduction.

‘Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear,’ Obi stated.

The opposition leader also congratulated the rescued pupils, their families, schools, and Nigerians over the development, saying the incident reinforced the need to build a safer country.

His comments followed confirmation from the Presidency that the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while some others were killed during the operation.

He said the rescue was carried out without any agreement to release a detained kidnap kingpin demanded by the abductors.

The rescued pupils and teachers later expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for securing their freedom.

President Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also commended the security agencies for the successful operation.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has intervened to resolve the power outage affecting Maitama and neighbouring communities following the reported invasion and encroachment on the C2 Maitama Substation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, AEDC said the incident had been escalated to the highest levels of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), with the minister taking personal interest in finding a lasting solution to the disruption.

According to the electricity distribution company, Wike has been fully briefed on the circumstances surrounding the invasion of the critical power facility and is working with relevant authorities to ensure electricity is restored as quickly as possible.

AEDC said it is collaborating with the FCT Administration, security agencies and other stakeholders to secure the substation, safeguard the vital electricity infrastructure and expedite the restoration of power supply to affected customers.

The company commended the minister for what it described as his swift intervention and commitment to resolving the crisis.

‘We are pleased to confirm that the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has been fully briefed on the situation and has personally intervened to facilitate an urgent resolution of the issues responsible for the current power disruption affecting Maitama and adjoining areas,’ the statement said.

AEDC reiterated its commitment to restoring electricity safely and in the shortest possible time, while expressing appreciation to customers for their patience, understanding and continued support during the disruption.

The utility assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the substation against further encroachment and protect the infrastructure from future threats as authorities work towards a permanent resolution of the incident.

The Lagos State Government has commenced the removal of illegal shanties, makeshift shops and market stalls erected along the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as part of efforts to safeguard public infrastructure and accelerate the ongoing reconstruction of the highway.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the exercise on Saturday, saying the government would not allow the median of one of the state’s major transport corridors to be converted into markets, residential settlements or sites for illegal structures.

The governor said the clearance operation aligns with the state’s plan to transform the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into a modern 10-lane highway capable of supporting increased traffic and improving transportation across the metropolis.

‘We have begun clearing the illegal shanties and market stalls built along the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

‘As we rebuild the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into a modern 10-lane highway, we cannot allow its median to become a market, a settlement or a site for illegal structures.’

Describing the development as both illegal and dangerous, the governor stressed that trading or living on the median of a major highway poses significant risks to lives and property.

‘There is absolutely no reason for anyone to trade, build makeshift shops or live on the median of a major highway. It is unsafe, illegal and unacceptable,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

Sanwo-Olu also urged residents to embrace greater civic responsibility, arguing that Lagos could only attain the standards of leading global cities if citizens respected public infrastructure and complied with environmental and urban planning regulations.

According to him, indiscriminate waste disposal and the proliferation of illegal structures undermine the state’s drive to create a cleaner, safer and more organised environment.

‘We often compare Lagos with some of the world’s leading cities and ask why we cannot be like them. The truth is that those cities work because people respect public infrastructure and obey the rules,’ the governor stated.

He added that building a world-class city requires discipline, respect for public assets and a collective commitment to lawful conduct.

‘If we want a cleaner, safer and more organised Lagos, discipline and personal responsibility must become part of our everyday culture. That is how we build a city we can all be proud of,’ he said.

The demolition exercise forms part of the state government’s broader urban renewal and environmental enforcement programme aimed at improving road safety, restoring order and protecting critical infrastructure across Lagos.

The Police Command in Ondo State says it has arrested a 33 year-old, Olawale Sikiru, a self kidnap suspect and one of his accomplices in Akure, the state capital.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Akure by the command’s Spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh.

Jimoh, who warned against staging kidnapping for financial gains, said the suspect was arrested after he was reported by his mother on July 5.

He said the complianant reported that her 33-year-old son had allegedly been kidnapped by unknown persons while travelling to Igbara-Oke for work.

‘The command immediately commenced a coordinated investigation, deploying intelligence assets and conducting forensic analysis of the telephone number used by the suspects to demand a ransom of N1 million from the victim’s family.

‘The painstaking investigation yielded positive results on July 7, when detectives arrested Olawale Sikiru, who was discovered to have orchestrated his own kidnap.

‘Investigation revealed that he deliberately staged the abduction and succeeded in collecting N50,000 as part of the ransom paid by his family for his purported release.

‘Further investigation led to the arrest of one Agbelusi Ayomide, 23 years, who allegedly conspired with the suspect and harboured him in his residence while the fraudulent kidnapping plot was being executed.

‘Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to have participated in the criminal act, while the arrested suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,’ he said.

Jimoh, therefore, warned members of the public against engaging in or aiding staged kidnappings or any form of criminal conspiracy.

According to the spokesperson, self-kidnap acts divert critical security resources, inflict emotional and financial hardship on families, and attract severe legal consequences.

‘The command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to combating all forms of criminality through intelligence-led policing.

‘It also urges residents to continue providing timely and credible information that will assist security agencies in safeguarding lives and property across Ondo State,’ he said.