The pupils and teacher abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after being rescued by security agencies.

The development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the successful rescue of the victims.

Onanuga disclosed the development in a post on his verified X account, describing the rescue as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.

He, however, did not provide details of the operation or disclose the identities of those involved in the rescue.

The victims’ release has brought relief to their families, residents of Orire and other stakeholders who had expressed concern over their safety since the abduction.

The incident had sparked widespread anxiety in the community, with parents, traditional leaders and residents calling for urgent intervention to secure the safe return of the schoolchildren and their teacher.

Although the victims have now regained their freedom, authorities are yet to reveal whether they were rescued during a security operation, released after negotiations or freed under any other circumstances.

It also remains unclear whether any ransom was paid before their release.

Security agencies are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue to uncover those responsible for the abduction and the circumstances surrounding the victims’ freedom.

The successful rescue comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.

The return of the pupils and teacher has eased tension in Orire, with residents expressing hope that authorities will strengthen security measures to prevent similar incidents in schools and communities.

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park, nearly a month after their abduction.

Makinde made the revelation in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.

According to the governor, it has been 27 days since the students and teachers were kidnapped from their schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, leaving families and communities in anxiety and uncertainty.

The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, on May 15, 2026.

Makinde acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on affected families, stating that while the government had repeatedly assured residents of ongoing rescue efforts, he understood the pain of waiting for the victims’ return.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to rescuing the abductees, stressing that security agencies were pursuing every credible lead.

“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” the governor said.

Makinde revealed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are being held somewhere within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.

According to him, the park spans about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State, making rescue operations particularly challenging.

“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State.

“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” he stated.

The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615.

He assured citizens that all credible information received would be acted upon promptly by relevant security agencies.

Makinde also warned against the spread of unverified reports concerning the abduction, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence while keeping the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their release continue.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the victims are safely reunited with their families and communities.

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Residents of Fowowawo, Ajerogun and Magbon-Etido communities in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have reportedly fled their homes following a failed kidnap attempt that resulted in the deaths of at least six people.

The incident, which occurred on Monday at a dredging site in the area, has left the communities gripped by fear, with many residents abandoning their homes over concerns of possible fresh attacks.

A visit to the affected communities on Wednesday showed that several houses and shops were locked, while commercial and social activities had significantly declined.

The Ogun State Police Command had earlier confirmed that suspected kidnappers invaded the dredging site in an attempt to abduct a Chinese national. The operation, however, failed after security operatives engaged the attackers.

According to the police, the attack led to the deaths of a soldier, a local hunter and four other persons. The command also disclosed that one of the suspected kidnappers was killed during a gun battle with security operatives.

Residents who remained in the communities expressed fears that the attackers could return, citing a similar kidnapping incident that occurred about three years ago.

One resident, who claimed to be among the local hunters that responded to the attack, said the gunmen ambushed community security volunteers who initially believed they were responding to a fight among workers at the dredging site.

“We were informed that some boys were fighting, and our Baale called us to go there. When we got there, we were in the midst of the kidnappers, but we didn’t know they were kidnappers,” he said.

According to him, the attackers opened fire after local hunters attempted to identify their positions, resulting in casualties and forcing others to flee.

He lamented the delayed arrival of security reinforcements and noted that kidnappers had previously used nearby waterways as escape routes during earlier attacks.

The Baale of Ajerogun Community, Nurudeen Salisu, said the attackers appeared to be targeting a Chinese national working at the dredging site.

He explained that the presence of soldiers providing security at the facility may have triggered the violent confrontation.

“It was a Chinese man who joined them at the dredging site about a year ago who was the target of the kidnappers. When they saw the soldiers, that was why they attacked,” he said.

Salisu alleged that the gunmen killed a soldier, injured another and abducted four persons before fleeing.

According to him, local security volunteers from neighbouring communities attempted to intercept the kidnappers, leading to another deadly confrontation that claimed additional lives.

He further disclosed that one of the abducted victims later escaped and identified the attackers as suspected Fulani gunmen.

The community leader commended the efforts of security agencies but expressed concern over inadequate equipment and poor road infrastructure, which he said hampered emergency response.

“The police, army and other security agencies have tried their best. But the first set of policemen that arrived were not adequately armed, and the bad road also delayed response,” he said.

Another resident and Chairman of the Agbekoya group in Fowowawo Community, Musbau Adenekan, confirmed that many residents had relocated their families due to fear and uncertainty.

“This community is always full of activities from traders and dredgers, but since the incident happened, there has been panic, and some people have already left their homes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has assured residents that the incident is not linked to banditry and reiterated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Security agencies have continued combing nearby forests and waterways as investigations into the attack progress.

The post Residents Flee Ogun Communities After Failed Kidnap Attempt Leaves Six Dead appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned kidnapping attack targeting students.

The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The closure followed a security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS), which reportedly uncovered plans by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to intelligence reports, the DSS intercepted communications between two suspected bandits who allegedly discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.

The report indicated that the suspects believed abducting students could attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments.

Security concerns heightened after the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke community.

Authorities said the suspect’s activities raised fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.

In response, the DSS advised security agencies and government authorities to strengthen protection around schools and educational institutions, particularly in vulnerable communities across Edo North.

The agency also recommended increased deployment of security personnel, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters, as well as intensified surveillance and patrol operations.

Explaining the government’s decision, Otamere said the Ministry of Education received credible intelligence and security advisories indicating threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.

“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff and school communities in some parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area,” he stated.

He noted that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools have been suspended indefinitely as a precautionary measure to safeguard lives and property.

The permanent secretary, however, clarified that candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to access their examination centres under strict security arrangements.

According to him, security agencies and community stakeholders have been mobilised to ensure the safety of candidates during the examination period.

Otamere directed principals of the affected schools to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain communication with relevant authorities.

He also appealed to parents and residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities in the affected communities.

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The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers linked to the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.

The property, located in the Lako community along Aiyegun-Anaye Road in Ibadan, was pulled down on Monday by officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transportation in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

The demolition is part of the state government’s intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and dismantle criminal networks operating across Oyo State.

The exercise was carried out under tight security, with government officials and law enforcement personnel supervising the operation. Authorities said the action underscores the government’s resolve to ensure that properties used for criminal activities do not escape the full weight of the law.

According to the government, eliminating criminal hideouts is critical to disrupting kidnapping syndicates and strengthening public confidence in the state’s security framework.

The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3 at Elewura in the Challenge area of Ibadan.

The incident generated widespread concern, prompting security agencies to launch investigations that reportedly led operatives to the suspected hideout.

Officials believe the demolished building played a role in the planning and execution of the abduction.

Security agencies have continued investigations and are working to identify and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate believed to be connected to the crime.

Authorities disclosed that intelligence-led operations are ongoing across several locations as efforts continue to dismantle criminal cells involved in kidnapping and related offences.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity, warning that any property found to have been used for criminal purposes would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

It also assured residents that collaboration with security agencies would be strengthened while investments in intelligence gathering and law enforcement would continue to enhance public safety.

Investigations into the abduction remain ongoing, with security agencies expressing confidence that sustained cooperation between law enforcement authorities and local communities will aid efforts to combat kidnapping and organised crime across the state.

The post Oyo Demolishes House Linked to Kidnapping of Adelabu’s Sister and Twin Sons appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Armed bandits have abducted a nine-year-old boy and destroyed two houses during a violent attack on the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, firing sporadically to scare residents before vandalising properties and kidnapping the victim, identified as Oluwatobi, the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.

According to sources in the community, the gunshots triggered panic among residents, forcing many to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said the attack was reported at about 2:30 a.m. by residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, explained that the armed men invaded the area around 1:30 a.m., shooting indiscriminately and creating fear among residents.

According to the police, the assailants forced their way into the residence of Pastor Isaac Olaosebikan. In an attempt to save his life, the cleric escaped into a nearby bush, leaving behind his son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the attackers.

Another resident, Joel Owalekan, reportedly escaped unharmed after the gunmen damaged his residence while attempting to gain access.

The police spokesperson disclosed that operatives of the Ondo State Police Command, working alongside members of the Amotekun Corps, have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

Security personnel have since combed surrounding forests and possible escape routes in a bid to rescue the kidnapped child and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The command also confirmed that investigations have commenced, while relevant exhibits recovered from the scene are being examined to aid efforts to track down the perpetrators.

Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical teams, intelligence units and other security formations to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects.

The police further assured residents that they are collaborating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the kidnappers are brought to justice.

The latest attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Ondo State, particularly in communities bordering forested areas that have increasingly come under threat from kidnappers and other criminal elements.

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Panic swept through Ayegunle Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State after suspected bandits attacked the area, killing one person and abducting more than 30 others.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 2:25 a.m., leaving residents in fear and raising fresh concerns over insecurity along major road corridors in the state.

One Killed, Several Abducted

According to preliminary reports, one person lost his life during the attack, while another sustained injuries and is receiving medical attention.

Sources within the community disclosed that two residents of Ayegunle Bunu, a man and a woman, were among those abducted by the attackers.

The majority of the victims were reportedly passengers travelling in a commercial bus that was intercepted by the gunmen while passing through the area.

Witnesses said the attackers forcefully whisked the passengers away into the bush before fleeing the scene.

Police Confirm Attack

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, confirmed the incident while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the Passing-Out Parade of 565 newly trained police constables at the Command Headquarters in Lokoja.

Kankarofi said investigations into the attack were ongoing and assured residents that security operatives had launched efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.

Rescue Efforts Underway

The police commissioner stated that security personnel have intensified operations in the area as part of efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating criminal activities across the state and restoring confidence among residents and road users.

Growing Security Concerns

The latest attack has renewed concerns over the rising incidents of kidnapping and banditry affecting communities and travellers across parts of Kogi State.

Residents have called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and increase patrols along vulnerable routes to prevent further attacks.

The incident also highlights the growing threat posed by armed groups targeting rural communities and commercial transport corridors in the North-Central region.

Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The post Bandits Kill One, Abduct Over 30 in Kogi Community as Police Launch Rescue Operation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

At least 15 passengers have been reportedly abducted by gunmen along the Calabar–Oron waterway in Cross River State on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The victims were travelling from Calabar to Oron when armed men allegedly ambushed their ferry and took control of the vessel, before whisking away passengers to an unknown location.

Sources at the Safe Anchor Beach in Calabar said the attackers struck suddenly during the voyage, though the exact number of abducted passengers remains unconfirmed.

There are also concerns that some of the victims may have been students travelling to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, although this has not been officially verified.

A resident who spoke under anonymity described the incident as “chaotic and terrifying,” adding that passengers on the route now travel in fear due to repeated attacks.

The spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the incident did not occur within his jurisdiction, noting that the matter had been referred to the neighbouring Akwa Ibom State Police Command for confirmation and further action.

The Calabar–Oron waterway, which connects Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, has increasingly become a hotspot for maritime criminal activity, as travellers seek to avoid the deteriorating Calabar–Itu road.

Security analysts have raised concerns over the growing vulnerability of Nigeria’s inland waterways, calling for stronger naval patrols and coordinated inter-state security operations.

Authorities are yet to confirm the identities of the abducted passengers or issue details of any rescue operation at the time of filing this report.

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NURTW Chairman, Francis Arhiyor, says poor road conditions across Nigeria are fueling robbery and kidnapping.

He noted that criminals exploit failed highways to attack motorists and urged the Federal Government to fix the East-West road urgently.

Arhiyor praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for starting the reconstruction of the Warri–Sapele–Benin road, calling it “a big relief” for drivers and commuters.

He appealed for similar attention to the Benin By-Pass, Benin–Akwa Ibom, and Warri–Port Harcourt sections of the highway.

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