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NGO Sues INEC Over ‘Amupitan’s X’ Account

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

The Foundation for Digital Justice, non-profit organisation, has filed a suit against against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  over its failure to release the details of the forensic cybersecurity expert commissioned to probe an X account allegedly linked to Joash Amupitan its Chairman.

The suit filed at the the federal high court in Lagos is seeking to compel INEC to release the identity of the cybersecurity experts contracted two months ago to unravel whether Amupitan is the owner of the account accused of making a partisan remark in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and President Bola Ahkedm Tinubu.

Amupitan had faced a public backlash after the account  @joashamupitan made a positive response to a remark by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel.

Not a few Nigerians had condemned the alleged remark by the INEC boss, calling for his registration or sack by President Tinubu, because, according to them, he’s suppose to be neutral as the nation’s chief election umpire.

Amupitan had denied a link to the X account following which the Commission claimed it commissioned an expert to probe whether the account indeed belong to the INEC chairman.

According to the Commission, the INEC boss has since been given a clean bill on the issue as the forensic expert discovered that Amupitan has no link to the account.

But the non-profit organisation said it wrote a letter, under the Freedom of Information, FOI to INEC to make public details of the forensic expert public, which the commission has so far failed to respond to.

According to the details if the suit filed in court, the organisation said INEC must be made to provide the information as part of its obligation under the law, that doing contrary negates Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and indeed Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

Part of the court documents: “The Respondent’s refusal to furnish the Applicant with the requested information in Exhibit FOLEGAL 2 (FOI letter) amounts to a gross violation of Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and indeed Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The Information sought by the Applicant is not exempted from disclosure under any provision of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 (“FOI Act”), and the Respondent has no reason whatsoever to decline the Applicant’s request.

“As a result of the breach of the FOI Act, the Applicant is entitled to the reliefs sought in this Suit and such other reliefs this Honourable Court deems just and fair to make in the circumstances of this Application.

“Unless the Respondent is compelled and mandated by this Honourable Court to furnish the Applicant with the requested information, the Respondent would continue to abdicate its statutory duties and deny the Applicant of the requested information.

“It is in the interest of justice, our democracy and fairness to grant this Application and the Respondent will not be prejudiced thereby.”

Northern Group Condemns FG’s Focus On Oyo School Abduction

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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FG Ogbomoso delegation

The Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development, ACI, has condemned the federal government’s focus on the abduction of school children in Ogbomoso, Oyo state while similar incident in Borno state has received no major attention.

According to the group, 42 children in Mussa community, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, were kidnapped around the same period the students in Ogbomoso were kidnapped by suspected terrorists, wondering why the latter has received more public attention.

The group said the two incidents should have received equal attention, according to a statement by  the Director General of ACI, Dr Abdullahi Idris, the organisation, which qurrried the federal government’s decision to send a high powered delegation to Ogbomoso while none was sent to Borno state.

The magazine had earlier reported that two weeks after suspected Fulani terrorists abducted over 40 students and teachers in three schools in the town, the federal government sent a delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, to Ogbomoso last weekend to meet with the parents of the victims,

Among the delegation was the National security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu amongst others, who assured the parents and the people of the town that the federal government was working with the state government to ensure the safe return of the abductees.

The federal government had also announced that  it has approved the recruitment of 1000 forests guards for the state in view of the insecurity challenges it’s currently facing.

Also, there were solidarity protests organized across the country by the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT,  demanding freedom for the abducted students, the Union has also threatened a nationwide strike if the students were not freed from the abductors within a short time.

MCI, however, stated that the action of the Tinubu’s administration and the public is one sided considering that the two incidents happened almost at the same time, but that the Oyo incident has received more attention.

The group said: “ACI observed with concern that despite the gravity of the incident in Borno State, there has been no visible solidarity visit or coordinated advocacy by major national stakeholders such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and several civil society and professional organisations that swiftly reacted to the Oyo incident.

“While we sympathise with all victims of insecurity across Nigeria, we strongly believe that no human life is more valuable than another, irrespective of region, ethnicity or religion.”

 

 

 

Ekiti: Despite Paying N10m Ransom, Kidnapers Still Holding 16 Worshippers – Eda Oniyo Community

By
Ayodele Oni
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Eda Oniyo Community in Ondo State

 

By Ayodele Oni

 

Residents of Eda-Oniyo Community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State have staged a peaceful protest, calling for urgent intervention from the state and federal governments, as well as security agencies, over the continued captivity of 16 kidnapped residents despite the payment of a ₦10.5 million ransom.

 

The protesters, comprising community leaders, relatives of the victims, women and youths, said the abductees had remained in captivity for 36 days, with the kidnappers now demanding an additional ₦50 million for their release.

 

The victims were abducted on April 28, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) during a service in the community.

 

The attackers reportedly killed the presiding pastor and kidnapped 16 worshippers.

 

According to residents, the kidnappers initially demanded a ₦1 billion ransom, which was later reduced to ₦150 million before being further reduced to ₦50 million.

 

Speaking during the protest, a community leader, Ayodele Ajayi, explained that communication with the captives had continued intermittently, but efforts to secure their release had so far proved unsuccessful.

 

“Our people have been in captivity for 36 days. We contributed what we could as a community and paid ₦10.5 million, but the kidnappers refused to release them. Instead, they are demanding more money.

 

“There are 16 victims in total. Most of them are women, while two are young boys. We are pleading with governments at all levels to come to our aid and rescue our people,” he added.

 

Another resident, Mrs Bola Ajayi, appealed to the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release, noting that children and elderly persons were among those being held.

 

“We have children as young as two and three years old and an elderly woman who is over 80 years old among those kidnapped. Families are suffering, and children keep asking for their mothers.

 

“We are begging the federal, state, and local governments to help secure their release. Women are crying, children are crying, and the entire community is in pain,” she said.

 

During the protest, a community representative, Ayodele Oni, said residents felt abandoned despite raising the ransom through collective efforts and supplying food items and other materials demanded by the kidnappers.

 

“We raised ₦10.5 million, supplied two bags of rice and several other items they requested, including fuel and cigarettes. Yet our people are still being held,” he said.

 

Oni described the process of delivering the ransom as traumatic, alleging that community representatives travelled through parts of Kwara and Kogi states and trekked deep into forests before handing over the money.

 

The community also called for the establishment of a security post in Eda-Oniyo and a military base along the boundary between Ekiti and Kwara states, arguing that inadequate security presence had made the area vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.

Governor Makinde Ignores Fayose’s Brutal Remarks On Him

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Fayose and Makinde
LR, Ayodele Fayose and Governor Seyi Makinde

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged Nigerians to shun and ignore the comments of Ayodele Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State, and rather, respond with restraint and show compassion to the abducted School Children and their Teachers. 

 

Fayose had alleged that Governor Makinde knows about the sudden abduction of the School Children and their Teachers.

 

Makinde has however appealed for understanding, saying public figures also go through difficult personal moments that should be handled with empathy rather than hostility.

 

The Governor made the remarks while addressing public reactions trailing Fayose’s recent interview comments, which sparked widespread criticism and discussion across political and social circles. 

 

Makinde said Nigerians should be more prayerful and less judgmental when leaders or former leaders appear to struggle in the public space.

 

According to Makinde, it was concerning to observe what he described as a troubling public deterioration in the tone and content of Fayose’s statements. 

 

He, however, suggested that some of the claims made by Fayose during his public  interview appeared inconsistent with established facts, but stopped short of offering detailed rebuttals or escalating political criticism.

 

He emphasized that instead of amplifying anger or ridicule, the situation should prompt concern and reflection on the pressures faced by political figures after leaving office. 

 

He also added that it was unnecessary to inflame tension or deepen personal controversies.

 

The remarks have, however, generated mixed reactions, with some observers interpreting Makinde’s intervention as a show of statesmanship, while others view it as a subtle political distancing from Fayose’s recent positions. 

 

Fayose has over the years been known to be a controversial and outspoken figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, often drawing attention to his strong and unfiltered public commentary.

INEC Launches Investigation Into Alleged Breach Of Voter Registration CVR Database

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Professor Josiah Amupitan INEC Chairman
Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has assured that it is not treating with levity allegation currently making the rounds concerning the retrieval of specific voter record by unauthorized persons.

 

Widespread outrage and condemnation have continued to trail Lere Olayinka, the  Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike’s aide access to the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, database, resulting in the publication of the personal particulars of Nollywood star Emeka Ike.

 

The development expectedly has raised serious concern among not a few Nigerians, who view the ugly situation as signposting a dangerous trend ahead of the 2027 polls.

 

Specifically, the publication of the otherwise highly confidential voter information by Olayinka ,an aide to a highly politically exposed person like the FCT has raised questions about the ability of the INEC to guarantee the conducts of free and fair elections in 2027.

 

However, in a statement from its National Commissioner, and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee Mohammed Kudu Haruna on Tuesday, the INEC informed that an unfettered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.

 

This was as it assured that it will not leave any stone unturned in sanctioning any of its staff that are found wanting.

 

The Commission disclosed that apart from its in-house investigation which so far has pointed to an insider-collaboration, security agencies have equally swung into action with a view to establishing the source of the unauthorized access to its database.

 

Following is the full text of INEC’s statement:

 

“The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to allegations currently circulating on social media and in some sections of the media regarding the alleged unauthorised access to the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database and the subsequent publication of information on a candidate in the recent primaries of a  political party in the Federal Capital Territory Politics

 

“The Commission takes this allegation seriously and has immediately commenced a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

 

“As part of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide, authorised INEC Registration Officers were granted controlled access to specific components of the CVR system to enable them register new applicants, process requests for transfer of registration and update voter records where necessary. Such access is restricted to official duties only and is withdrawn at the conclusion of the exercise.

 

“The audit trail from the preliminary investigation has enabled the Commission to identify the user account through which the information was accessed. Accordingly, relevant personnel have been questioned, and all units connected with the incident are cooperating fully with the investigation.

 

“The Commission is also examining all technical, administrative and operational factors associated with the matter in order to establish individual responsibility and determine the circumstances surrounding the use of those credentials and identify any breach of internal access-control protocols before taking appropriate action against anyone involved.

 

“Preliminary findings from the Commission’s audit trail so far, however, indicate that there was no external breach of the CVR database, no hacking incident, and no unauthorised external access to the Commission’s ICT infrastructure. Rather, the information in question was accessed through valid user credentials assigned to personnel participating in the ongoing CVR exercise but released without authority.

 

“The incident under investigation relates to the retrieval of a specific voter record and does not indicate any compromise of the Commission’s broader voter registration infrastructure or the personal data of over 90 million registered voters.

 

“The Commission wishes to state categorically that it takes the security, confidentiality and integrity of voter data with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to transparency, institutional integrity, and the protection of voters’ personal information.

 

“Furthermore, the Department of State Services (DSS), on its own accord, has commenced an independent investigation into the matter. The Commission will continue to cooperate fully with all relevant security agencies and will not hesitate to refer any person found culpable for appropriate legal action.

 

“Members of the public and the media are therefore urged to disregard unfounded speculations while investigations remain ongoing. The Commission will continue to keep the public informed of its final findings and any measures taken in response to the incident in due course.”

DSS Debunks Arrest Of Okey Ndibe

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Okey Ndibe

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The Department of State Services, DSS, has put a lie to the story which made the rounds on Monday, June 1, that it’s operatives arrested and detained for hours, Professor Okey Ndibe.

 

According to the story Professor Ndibe, a United States-based Journalist and writer, was arrested on arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport by the DSS Operatives. He was said to have been detained for hours, and later released.

 

But the DSS, in a statement  signed by its Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said nothing could be further from the truth than the news of Ndibe’s arrest.

 

The statement said what happened was that the Professor has been on the  Watch List since January 29, 2013. But that the Watch-List is usually reviewed, especially, since the tenure of its current Director General. Each time any of those whose names are on the Watch-List arrives, the person’s status is checked and reviewed as the case may be, and as in Ndibe’s case downgraded.

 

It clarified that Ndibe’s status had since been downgraded, and that what they had with him on his arrival was an interface which ultimately led to the final removal of his name from the Watch-list.

 

The statement reads:

 

“RE: ARREST OF PROFESSOR OKEY NDIBE- SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

 

“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby clarifies that, it did not arrest or detain Prof Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1, 2026 or any other place on that date for that matter.

 

“The current DG of the Service, upon assumption of duty, directed a review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs), some of which date back to the Military Era. This is to ensure that citizens are not unduly embarrassed due to pre-existing WLAs.

 

“In this regard, all those who had  previously been watchlisted while on transit, are routinely interfaced with as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade of the Action. This, being a precursor to a final delisting in accordance with international best practices. It is pertinent to state that the foregoing process is aimed at ensuring that before the final delisting, that activities, travel histories as well as current activities of these individuals are not in furtherance of and do not still conform with the reasons for the initial WLA.

 

“Suffice to point out that since the inception of the current Management , many Nigerians, including journalists have benefited from this process. This is despite the fact that the Service conducts this clearance to take care of Watch List requests from other Agencies. A case in point is that of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, IPC, whose delisting was approved in May 2025, after over a decade on the Watchlist.

 

“In the same vein, Prof Ndibe has been on Watchlist since January 29, 2013. Meanwhile, his case has been reviewed and downgraded. Thus, the interface with him at the airport, was geared towards the final delisting of his details from the Action. As part of the routine interface involved in the process, after barely an hour of his interaction with the Service, he was cleared and escorted. Note that, even on his Facebook post, he referenced the professional, courteous and decorous conduct of Service operatives, who continue to scale their respect for the rule of law and human rights under the new Leadership.

 

“The Service reiterates that this process will continue to ensure that all Nigerians are fairly treated, with due regard to the provisions of the Law.

 

“The DSS therefore urges citizens affected by the Service WLA, who wish, to formally report same to the National Headquarters to facilitate ongoing process.  However, regardless of any formal request, the attempt at hygiene regarding the WLA, will be sustained.

 

“Favour Dozie

Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications

National Headquarters, State Services

June 2, 2026″

Committee To Review Salary Scale Of Teachers In Kebbi

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State

 

By Ayodele Oni

 

Kebbi State Government  has assured  that a committee will be constituted to review salary scale of primary school teachers across the state.

 

Governor Nasir Idris Gwandu gave the assurance during an interactive session with primary school teachers, Education Secretaries, Local Government Chairmen, and other stakeholders in Birnin Kebbi.

 

The governor added that the committee would have 30 days to submit its report and assured the teachers that their complaints would be addressed and the minimum wage fully implemented.

 

He described teaching as part of his own constituency, adding that he would not allow anyone to cheat them.

 

“This government is for you because I am still one of you as a teacher. It is your votes and support that got me to this position.

 

“I advise you not to allow anyone to use you or divert your attention to derail the progress and achievements recorded so far,” he pleaded.

 

Idris also called on each Local Government Chairman to explain the status of primary school teachers’ salaries in their areas and state whether there had been an increment.

 

All the chairmen confirmed there had been an increment, but said it was not fully implemented.

 

The governor urged teachers to remain committed to their duties so that children can receive a sound education.

 

“I will also provide all primary school teachers with access to car, motorcycle  and housing loans so that they can feel a sense of belonging,” he added.

 

The governor vowed not to disappoint them and assured them that he would continue to put smiles on their faces.

Obi Raises Alarm Over Worsening Insecurity

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, lamenting the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in separate incidents in Borno and Oyo States.

 

In a statement on Tuesday titled “Concerns About Deteriorating Security,” Obi decried what he described as the growing disconnect between the country’s worsening security challenges and the increasing focus of politicians on electoral calculations ahead of future elections.

 

The former Anambra State governor noted that two weeks after the abduction of schoolchildren in Borno and Oyo States, the victims remain in captivity, while government efforts appear focused on publicizing the formation of a large rescue team.

 

“Two weeks have passed since schoolchildren were kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States, yet they remain in captivity. Meanwhile, the government is promoting the formation of a thousand-member rescue team through the media while the children continue to suffer in the wilderness,” he stated.

 

Obi cited a series of recent attacks across the country as evidence of the deteriorating security situation. He referenced the killing of at least seven people and the injury of ten others in Gwon-Ajang Village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, following an attack by terrorists on Sunday.

 

He also drew attention to an incident in Kogi State, where armed assailants reportedly kidnapped more than 25 persons and killed one resident during a coordinated raid on the Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area.

 

According to him, the attackers, described as heavily armed, carried out the operation in a commando-style manner, leaving residents terrified.

 

In Anambra State, Obi mourned the killing of two police officers in a separate attack by armed bandits, describing the incident as another painful reminder of the security challenges confronting the nation.

 

The NDC presidential candidate further recalled the abduction of 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers and a school principal, from three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso in Oyo State.

 

The affected schools were identified as Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

 

He also referenced the abduction of between 48 and 51 pupils and students in Mussa Community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, allegedly by Boko Haram insurgents on May 15, 2026.

 

The victims, Obi noted, included nursery, primary and secondary school students who have now spent two weeks in captivity.

 

Expressing frustration over the nation’s priorities, Obi criticized members of the political class for focusing more on political ambitions than on addressing the country’s urgent security challenges.

 

“Meanwhile, amid all these tragic developments, we politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well-being of our children and fellow citizens,” he said.

 

He argued that the continued insecurity affecting schoolchildren in a country that is not officially at war represents a profound national crisis requiring urgent and decisive action.

 

According to Obi, the persistent attacks, kidnappings and loss of innocent lives across different parts of the country should compel leaders at all levels to place the protection of citizens above political considerations.

 

He called for renewed commitment to securing lives and property, stressing that the safety and welfare of Nigerians must remain the foremost responsibility of government.

Oyo kidnap: AYDM  Says Governors, Amotekun Can’t Tackle Insecurity

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Amotekun Corps

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, AYDM, a coalition of over 130 Self Determination Groups, has stated that South West Governors lack the capacity and the commitment to deal with rising waves of terrorism and Insecurity in the region.

 

It added what is facing Yorubaland is no longer crime of terror, but a declaration of war by non-state actors.

 

AYDM in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, said since 2010 when the Middle Belt areas were under attack, the six South West Governors saw all the signs of terrorist incursion to the region but failed to take any pro-active measure.

 

“They saw all the signals. They did nothing. Four prominent Yoruba Obas were killed, for instance  Oba Kehinde Falodun, of the Agamo community in Akure North LGA, Ondo State who  was murdered in his palace on February 18, 2026, after he resisted a kidnapping attempt,  also, Oba Segun Aremu, the Olukoro of   Koro in Ekiti LGA, Kwara State was shot and killed inside his palace on the night of February 1, 2024, in a failed abduction attempt.

 

“Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin and  Oba Samuel Olatunji, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti and Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti were ambushed and murdered by armed Fulani militias on January 29, 2024, while returning from a security meeting in Ado-Ekiti.

 

“Same fate also befell Oba Adegoke Adeusi, the Olufon of Ifon who was shot and killed by bandits on November 26, 2020, along the Elegbeka axis of the Ifon-Benin highway while returning to his Palace, and the South West Governors failed to act”, the statement read.

 

The Group added that beside these deaths, Oba of Okoloke around Egbe- West Yagba LGA,Kogi State was kidnapped on May 15 2025, ditto, the Ojibara of Bayagan, kwara state in 2025 and Oba Salman Aweda were also murdered this year, yet  they did nothing, not even condolence messages.

 

“None of the State Governors visited the families of the traditional rulers, none of them visited Kwara after the massacre of over 160 people including women and children just as they were not bothered when Yagba West was invaded and also part of Ogun.

 

AYDM said Amotekun is largely populated by cronies of politicians adding that up till now, the civil corps has no insurance cover for operatives.

 

“Amotekun is poorly armed. They are poorly trained and lack the capacity to confront terrorists that were trained in field operations,combat, infantry and handling of explosives including mines.

 

“The State Governors have not even provided ordinary anti-bullet helmets, no bullet proof vests, no jungle boots and no night and day binoculars to sight enemies from afar”, AYDM said.

 

 

It noted further that these are simple gadgets needed for the protection of Amotekun members which the Governors have failed to provide while regional integration of the corps, information sharing, joint training, common security control rooms and data processing units are absent.

 

The coalition of over 130 Pan Yoruba groups said dealing with terrorism needs knowledge, courage, selflessness, commitment and deep understanding which the South West political leaders lack.

 

It noted that the latest attacks on Community School in Oriire in Oyo State further confirm the docile and nonchalant attitude of political actors in the region.

 

It said it took almost two weeks before the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde visited the family of those kidnapped while none of his counterparts sent emissaries to show solidarity with the affected communities.

 

“The event during the visit of Makinde where he was putting on ceremonial dress while the wife of the kidnapped school principal was in black, the cultural apron that shows a state of mourning in Yoruba culture and the gorgeous dresses, smiles, banters exchanges by the Federal Government delegation to Oyo after two weeks of pain and anguish were clear signals that the current political leadership have no conscience, no sense of purpose and are emotionally detached from the people they govern”, Popooola stated

 

AYDM said bad and corrupt leaders are notorious for their cold attitude to the plight of the people they govern which accounts for the merciless ways they manage public funds, oppress and dehumanise the people they govern.

 

The coalition said the declining number of votes in the South West despite the huge population further proven by the popular apathy of Yoruba people towards the All Progressive Congress, (APC) primary was a clear indication of vote of no confidence in the South West political leadership adding that for the first time, the South West dropped into number three on regional voters electoral strength.

 

It further added that when democracy turns to the rule of the few, by the few and for the few; the consequences are usually fatal for the operators of the system.

 

AYDM said the people of the South West are running out of patience adding that if the Government fails to secure the people, the people on their own will be compelled to defend themselves and even hold the elected leaders responsible in a very harsh and decisive way.

 

“If they have heeded our repeated calls  to work with their counterparts in  Kogi and Kwara States to tackle the menace of the rampaging Fulani militias the story would have been different today”, the statement reads.

Police Debunk Purported Kidnap Of Four Students From Govt Girls’ Secondary School Owerri

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Imo State Police Command has dismissed as false , unfounded ,and misleading reports claiming that four students were kidnapped in Owerri.

 

The Social media has been saturated with reports of the kidnap of four students of the Government Girls Secondary School , along Okigwe Road in Owerri, the state capital by suspected armed herdsmen.

 

But in a statement on Tuesday  June 2, 2026, Henry Okoye,DSP, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, insisted that all students and staff of the College have been confirmed to be safe and completely accounted for.

 

According to him, the Principal of the school, Mrs Apollonia Amadi, informed Police investigation team that no students of the college were abducted.

 

Okoye emphasized that an investigation team led by the  Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, and Coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, Abdullahi Wase, on a visit to the  school, established that there was no such incident of students’ abduction.

 

According to the statement, the team, after interfacing with the school management led by the Principal, confirmed that no abduction actually occurred, contrary to reports in the media

 

Okoye noted that the early closure of school and dismissal of students on the day was purely an administrative measure, and not necessarily a security alert as erroneously reported by the media.

 

The Police emphasized that the measure was actually necessitated by a meeting involving.teachers and  school staff at the NUT Secretariat.

 

While calling for calm and vigilance, the Police cautioned against the spreading of false and misleading information  capable of undermining the peace and stability of the State.

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