News
BREAKING: Security Agents Name Identity of Oyo School Kidnappers; Fresh Details Emerge
Thirty-six days after gunmen abducted 42 pupils and education workers from three schools in Oyo State, security officials say efforts to rescue the victims have entered a decisive stage.
According to Vanguard, intelligence reports indicated that the abductors had been trapped within the Oyo National Park, where security forces are conducting operations to rescue the captives and dismantle the network behind the attack.
The victims were abducted on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele.
Security sources involved in the rescue operation identified the kidnappers as members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad.
They said intelligence assessments showed that the group had established operational cells capable of exploiting forest corridors across several states.
A retired security analyst described the development as “a warning signal that terrorism in Nigeria is becoming more adaptive and geographically fluid.”
He said, “The assumption that the South-West is immune from extremist infiltration can no longer be sustained.
“What we are witnessing is an insurgent movement attempting to create new footholds while avoiding direct confrontation in areas where military pressure remains intense.”
Troops Face IED Threats
According to intelligence sources, security forces have blocked escape routes within the park, creating what one operative described as a “containment environment” around the kidnappers.
However, the terrain has slowed the rescue mission.
Security officials said the terrorists had planted improvised explosive devices in parts of the forest, forcing troops to advance cautiously.
Several security personnel have reportedly been killed during clashes with the insurgents, including a Nigerian Army lieutenant.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, recently confirmed casualties among soldiers involved in the operation.
A security source said, “This is not a conventional battlefield. The terrorists are mobile, they know the terrain, and they are constantly changing locations.
“Every movement has to be carefully planned because a single mistake can result in casualties among troops or hostages.”
Confusion has emerged over the fate of victims abducted in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, after both the local council chairman and the Oyo State Police Command dismissed reports suggesting that the captives had been freed.
The claims followed a video circulating on social media on Saturday showing large crowds of residents singing and dancing with Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The jubilation was described as a celebration of the release of the victims, a woman, her children, and a sibling.
They were said to be released following Igboho’s issuance of a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders, demanding their release.
However, both local and state authorities have refuted these reports.
In a statement on Sunday, the Oorelope Local Government Chairman, Jacob Ogundiran, described the claims as false and misleading.
“The attention of the Oorelope Local Government Area leadership has been drawn to circulating rumours and unverified reports claiming the release of the kidnapping victims.
“We state authoritatively that these reports are false and misleading. The victims are still in captivity, and we urge the public to discountenance any information to the contrary unless it comes from credible sources,” the statement read.
Ogundiran assured that security agencies at state and local levels are intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe rescue, while commending community leaders, residents, and stakeholders for providing intelligence and support. He emphasised that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority.
The spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, also debunked claims that the hostages had been released or that Igboho played any role in their rescue.
“Whatever the activist is doing, if the said victims are still in captivity, I don’t know. Efforts are ongoing to rescue them.
“Meanwhile, the victims were not even kidnapped in Igboho. They were kidnapped at Igbope,” he told our correspondent in a phone call.
The abduction occurred during a midnight attack when gunmen kidnapped members of a family.
The kidnappers initially reportedly demanded N300 million in ransom, later reducing it to N150 million.
Following the incident, Igboho issued a stern warning to suspected Fulani community leaders in the area over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity.
In the earlier viral video, Igboho was seen addressing community representatives and traditional leaders, where he expressed anger over alleged killings and abductions in the area.
He accused some members of the Fulani community of kidnapping residents and referenced incidents involving a pregnant woman and ransom negotiations that reportedly turned deadly.
“The person who brought the ransom, you still killed him and spared only one person,” he said, while warning that such incidents must not repeat.
Igboho also issued a two-hour ultimatum for the release of other abducted victims, stressing that he had shown restraint following appeals from traditional rulers.
“I am Sunday Igboho. I am calm because my fathers asked me to be calm with you. Let this be the last time such a thing will happen,” he said.
He further warned that failure to comply would trigger decisive action, including threats of entering suspected hideouts linked to the kidnappings.
-Source: Punch
Results from the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election are beginning to trickle in from polling units and local government areas across the state, with electoral officials collating votes amid keen interest from political parties and supporters.
While the outcome remains uncertain, early figures are expected to provide an indication of the direction of the closely watched contest.
PU08, ward 10, Ekiti-east LGA, Ekiti state
ADC – 17
APC – 151
PDP – 28
PU016, ward 09, Idi Igi Ose, Ijero LGA
APC: 93
ADC: 22
PU002, ward 10, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state.
ADC: 3
APC: 163
PDP: 32
PU008, ward 09, Best way, Ijero LGA
APC: 160
PDP: 35
ADC: 25
PU004, ward 11, Oke Ode, Ijero LGA
APC: 229
PDP: 35
ADC: 34
PU005, ward 11, Oke Ode, Ijero LGA
APC: 253
PDP: 30
ADC: 21
PU016, ward 11, Emmanuel Anglican Nur/Pry School, Ijero LGA
APC: 36
PDP: 4
PU009, ward 08, Oko Ejemu, Ijero LGA
APC: 121
ADC: 17
PDP: 7
PU005, ward 08, Fajuyigbe, Ijero LGA
APC: 146
PDP: 14
ADC: 10
PU007, ward 07, Near Holy Trinity School, Ikole LGA
APC: 156
ADC: 14
PDP: 14
PU005, ward 05, In front of Ola Ojo’s house, Oke Ibukun, Ikole LGA
APC: 200
PDP: 3
ADC: 2
PU013, ward 05, Oisakole’s house, Ikole LGA
APC: 205
ADC: 7
PU001, ward 05, In front of Living Stone house, Aparanyin, Ikole LGA
APC: 112
PDP: 3
ADC: 2
PU016, ward 05, open space at Olorin’s camp, Ikole LGA
APC: 79
PDP: 5
ADC: 4
PU0015, ward 06, space within Itagbangba, Ikole LGA
APC: 59
PU003, ward 06, in front of Falade’s house, Odo Aodin I, Ikole LGA
APC: 102
ADC: 5
PDP: 4
PU011, ward 06, In front of Oluwole’s house, Aketa, Ikole LGA
APC: 74
PDP: 5
PU005, ward 06, Community Primary School-Odo Aofin III, Ikole LGA
APC: 161
ADC: 8
PDP: 7
Polling Unit 6 in Ugele/Aroku Ward 3 of Ikere LGA
PDP: 113
APC: 84
The Ekiti State Government has declared Friday, June 19, 2026, a work-free day for public servants in the state.
Naija News reports that the government said the holiday was to enable workers to travel to their respective voting centres ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary to the Head of Service, Janet Ajibola.
“His Excellency, the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has graciously declared Friday, 19th June, 2026, as a work-free day for all public servants across the state,” the statement read.
Ajibola said the directive was addressed to commissioners, special advisers, the Secretary to the State Government, permanent secretaries, the Clerk of the House, heads of tertiary institutions, the Registrar of the High Court of Justice, general managers, executive secretaries and heads of departments.
“For the purpose of public safety and continuity of essential services, hospitals and health centres, fire service departments and other essential service providers are exempted and shall continue to provide appropriate services,” the statement added.
The Permanent Secretary urged heads of exempted essential institutions to ensure uninterrupted service delivery during the election period.
She also directed chief executive officers and accounting officers across state parastatals to ensure compliance and wide circulation of the directive.
BREAKING: Police Exposes Igboho Over Release of Kidnap Victims; Truth Emerges
Is Ayinla Kollington Dead? Fuji Icon’s Family Breaks Silence Amid Viral Reports
INEC Announces Winner in Much-Awaited Northern Senatorial Election
Former Super Eagles Star Loses Life Savings, Duped By A Pastor of ₦1.2 Billion
I’m A Married Man, I Can Never Get Myself Involved With Such A Thing, Delta Gov Aide Reveals Why He Offered Comfort ₦500,000 Job
Lagos Imposes ₦250,000 Fine For Illegal Waste Disposal
-
News1 day agoBREAKING: Shock Results Emerge From Ekiti Governorship Election [FULL RESULTS]
-
Tech8 hours agoSo Sad: Top Nigerian Lawmaker is Dead
-
Politics11 hours agoJUST IN: INEC Announces Winner Senatorial Election
-
Tech1 day ago
BREAKING: So Sad; Top APC Former Deputy Governor Dies
-
Politics1 day agoEKITI DECIDES: ADC Gains Overwhelming Votes as Supporters Celebrate
-
Tech12 hours agoSàd News: Peter Obi Bereaved, Releases Emotional Statement
-
Tech20 hours agoBREAKING: Oyo Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom After Sunday Igboho’s Intervention
-
Politics1 hour ago
INEC Announces Winner in Much-Awaited Northern Senatorial Election