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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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has condemned what it described as the arbitrary seizure of private property by some state governments under the guise of the Land Use Act, while commending Uba Sani for adopting what it called a humane and rights-based approach to land acquisition in Kaduna State.

The advocacy group said Governor Sani’s handling of compensation for residents affected by the 15-kilometre Kaduna Ring Road project demonstrates that governments can pursue infrastructure development without trampling on the constitutional rights and economic well-being of citizens.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA praised the governor’s declaration that “public interest can never become a justification for injustice” and that development should not impose hardship without fairness and compassion.

According to the group, these principles should serve as the minimum standard for how governors exercise the extensive powers granted under the Land Use Act.

HURIWA stressed that although state governments have the legal authority to acquire land for overriding public interest, such powers must not be exercised arbitrarily or in ways that deprive citizens of their homes, businesses and ancestral lands without prompt, fair and adequate compensation.

The group argued that public interest and the constitutional right to own property are not mutually exclusive, insisting that responsible governance requires a careful balance between development objectives and the protection of citizens’ rights.

It noted that compulsory land acquisition has remained one of the most controversial aspects of governance in Nigeria, with reports from several states alleging that thousands of residents have lost their landed properties without adequate compensation or humane treatment.

According to HURIWA, such complaints have been reported in states including Lagos, Anambra and even Kaduna under the previous administration, leaving many affected families with significant financial and emotional losses.

The organisation, however, described Governor Sani’s decision to slow aspects of the Kaduna Ring Road project to allow transparent valuation of affected properties before compensation as a demonstration of fairness, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

HURIWA also welcomed the governor’s assurance that no resident of Kaduna State would lose property to government projects without receiving fair and adequate compensation.

The rights group noted that the distribution of compensation cheques to 122 affected households and the payment of more than N3 billion to residents affected by various infrastructure projects reflected a governance approach anchored on justice rather than expediency.

It urged governors across the country to institutionalise transparent compensation mechanisms, engage affected communities before acquiring land for public projects and ensure that all affected property owners receive prompt and equitable compensation in line with the Constitution and principles of natural justice.

According to HURIWA, governments are more likely to earn public confidence and legitimacy when infrastructure projects are implemented with fairness, empathy and respect for the rule of law, adding that sustainable development can only succeed when citizens are treated as partners in progress rather than victims of development.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of one property and the interim forfeiture of four others linked to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is serving a 75-year prison sentence following his conviction for corruption and money laundering.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling after granting an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), holding that the anti-graft agency had successfully established that one of the properties was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to a statement issued by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the property permanently forfeited to the Federal Government is Walijam Apartments, located at No. 43, Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.

The court also granted an interim forfeiture order on four additional properties allegedly linked to Mamman. They include Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited at No. 5 Amana Crescent, New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion at No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; another property at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A Plaza situated on Plot 734, Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the EFCC had proved that Walijam Apartments was purchased with proceeds of crime.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was able to establish that the convict acquired Walijam Apartments with proceeds of unlawful activities,” the judge ruled.

The court further directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days, allowing any interested parties to appear before the court and show cause why the remaining four properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Mamman was prosecuted by the EFCC on an amended 12-count charge bordering on corruption and money laundering involving about N33.8 billion.

Justice Omotosho convicted the former minister on all 12 counts on May 7, 2026, before sentencing him to 75 years’ imprisonment on May 13, 2026.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Mamman to refund N22 billion traced to him during the EFCC’s investigation. The court also directed the recovery of several assets identified as proceeds of unlawful activities uncovered during the trial.

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The Federal Government has announced a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as part of renewed efforts to address environmental concerns and improve flood management along the project corridor.

The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, follows an inspection tour of completed and ongoing sections of the highway by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, alongside members of the National Assembly and officials from key government agencies.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, the engagement will bring together the Senate and House Committees on Works, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, the Lagos State Government, representatives of landlords’ associations, and other stakeholders.

The ministry said the meeting is aimed at addressing environmental concerns, promoting environmentally responsible practices, and strengthening collaboration on flood management around the highway corridor.

During the inspection, Umahi dismissed claims linking the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to flooding in parts of Lagos, maintaining that the project was designed with modern drainage infrastructure to improve water flow and reduce flooding in shoreline communities.

The minister explained that the Federal Ministry of Works had already begun collaborating with the Lagos State Government on dredging activities and other environmental mitigation measures to tackle flooding in affected locations.

According to him, persistent flooding in many parts of Lagos is largely caused by indiscriminate refuse disposal, blocked drainage channels, obstructed manholes, and violations of environmental regulations by residents rather than the highway project itself.

“You can see people blocking manholes and creating hazards to the environment. Many complaints about flooding stem from human activities, not the road project,” Umahi said during the inspection.

He assured residents that the Federal Government would continue implementing remediation measures, including improved drainage systems, dredging operations, and strict enforcement of the approved right-of-way along the highway.

Umahi also warned that structures obstructing drainage channels or encroaching on designated setbacks would be removed to ensure effective flood control.

The minister noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway incorporates modern engineering features such as culverts, embankments, and drainage systems specifically designed to manage stormwater and complement wider flood-control efforts across Lagos.

He said the inspection was conducted on the directive of President Bola Tinubu as part of the administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure while promoting sustainable development.

To safeguard completed sections of the highway, Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Dare, to enforce environmental safety standards across the project.

He also announced the recruitment of 40 security and monitoring personnel—20 for daytime operations and 20 for night patrols—to prevent vandalism, theft of road infrastructure, and illegal refuse dumping along the highway.

Speaking at the inspection, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), Moremi Ojudu, urged residents to support government efforts by protecting the environment and complying with environmental regulations.

Lawmakers who participated in the inspection also defended the project. The Minority Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, said flooding in Lagos predated the construction of the coastal highway and called for expert-driven environmental solutions.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended the minister’s response to the President’s directive, stressing that Lagos’ flooding challenges require long-term, science-based interventions.

The Director of Environmental Impact Assessment at the Federal Ministry of Environment also confirmed that an Environmental Impact Assessment was approved before construction of the highway commenced, adding that the growing effects of climate change have intensified flooding and other environmental challenges across Lagos.

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A fire outbreak in the early hours of Thursday gutted parts of the popular Bode Market in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State, destroying several shops and goods worth millions of naira.

The cause of the inferno had yet to be determined as of the time of filing this report, while the Oyo State Fire Service had not issued an official statement on the incident.

An eyewitness, who identified herself simply as Serifat, said the fire caused extensive destruction, leaving many traders counting their losses.

“The blaze caused extensive damage, leaving many traders counting their losses. We have not known the cause of this fire incident,” she said.

Firefighters were reportedly deployed to the scene shortly after the outbreak and succeeded in bringing the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the market.

Bode Market is one of the largest commercial markets in Ibadan and serves as a major trading hub for herbs, animal skins and other traditional products. The market attracts traders from across the South-West and other parts of Nigeria.

Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire, while an assessment of the extent of the damage is ongoing.

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The Imo State Government has commenced the recovery of illegally acquired government lands across the state, warning that all unauthorized structures erected on such properties will be demolished while those involved in the illegal allocation and sale of the lands will face prosecution.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri.

According to the statement, the recovery exercise follows earlier public notices issued by the government directing individuals who unlawfully acquired government lands to vacate the affected properties.

The government identified the affected locations as Redemption Estates 1, 2, 3 and 4 belonging to the Imo Housing Corporation, Area P (New Owerri), Area T, Area K (Alaoma Layout), Paradise Layout (Ottamiri North), Ottamiri South, Naze Industrial Layout, Ogbaku Estate Layout, and other government layouts across the state.

Nwaneri said enforcement would commence immediately, stressing that fences, partitions and other unauthorized structures found on the affected lands would be demolished without further notice.

He also warned that individuals involved in forging land documents or engaging in illegal allocation and sale of government lands would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

According to him, the exercise is aimed at protecting public assets, restoring order in land administration and safeguarding the interests of law-abiding citizens.

The government said the action forms part of its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of residents while ensuring transparency in land administration.

It advised prospective land buyers, developers and residents to verify the authenticity of land titles with the appropriate government agencies before concluding any land transaction to avoid legal complications arising from the ongoing recovery exercise.

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Residents of Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive) in Ikoyi, Lagos State, have appealed to the Federal Government to halt an ongoing land reclamation project, alleging that it has triggered severe flooding, environmental hazards and persistent noise pollution in the area.

The residents claimed that continuous sand-filling of the lagoon has obstructed the natural flow of water, causing canals to overflow into residential compounds whenever it rains.

One of the residents, Mr. Obaro Ibru, said families have endured days of flooding that has damaged homes and forced residents to remain awake through the night bailing out water.

According to him, the flooding has affected bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms, creating serious health and safety concerns.

He alleged that the project, which was reportedly justified as a flood protection measure, has instead worsened flooding in the neighbourhood.

“We never had flooding like this before. There is absolutely no regard for the environment and the people being affected,” he said.

Ibru also complained about round-the-clock dredging activities, saying residents have been subjected to constant noise pollution.

“We also suffer from 24-hour daily noise pollution from the dredgers working all night. It’s totally inhumane,” he added.

Another resident, Mr. Daniel Gozama, said the reclamation work had altered the natural drainage system by restricting the flow of water into the lagoon.

He noted that residents had to hire workers to remove floodwater and debris from their compounds following recent heavy rainfall.

“We are only appealing to the government to look into the situation,” Gozama said.

The residents are urging both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to investigate the project and suspend further reclamation activities until measures are put in place to prevent flooding and protect surrounding communities.

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Severe flooding swept through several communities in Lagos State on Tuesday after hours of heavy rainfall submerged homes, inundated major roads and disrupted electricity supply in parts of the state.

Residents in areas including FESTAC, Gbagada, Ajah, Ikeja, Evans, Olushi, Anikantamo and Adeniji Adele were left stranded as floodwaters overwhelmed drainage systems, forcing commuters to wade through waterlogged streets while motorists struggled to navigate submerged roads.

Videos circulating on social media showed residents moving through flooded streets, with some roads rendered impassable by rising water levels.

In Ikeja, floodwaters reportedly entered homes and business premises, prompting some residents to temporarily relocate for safety. Residents blamed the recurring flooding on blocked drainage channels, poor road design and indiscriminate refuse disposal.

A resident, Abidemi Raji, alleged that a drainage channel linking parts of the community had been obstructed following nearby construction activities, worsening the flooding situation.

The downpour also affected FESTAC in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, where roads and inner streets were submerged, disrupting movement and economic activities.

The flooding triggered electricity outages in several communities after floodwaters affected facilities at the Oworo 132/33kV Transmission Station. In a public notice, Ikeja Electric said severe flooding damaged two power transformers and several 33kV feeders, disrupting supply to areas including Bariga, Gbagada, Oworo, Pedro, Alapere, Agboyi and surrounding communities.

The company said it was working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria to restore power as soon as repairs were completed.

The impact of the heavy rainfall extended into neighbouring Ogun State, where residents of Gloryland Estate in Ibafo appealed for urgent government intervention, saying annual flooding had damaged buildings, disrupted transportation and exposed residents to health risks.

Reacting to the development, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the rainfall as an extreme weather event that temporarily overwhelmed existing drainage infrastructure.

He disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the dredging of 28 additional primary drainage channels across the state as part of measures to improve flood control and reduce the impact of future downpours.

Wahab noted that Lagos’ coastal geography, characterised by lagoons, rivers and tidal water bodies, often slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea during high tides, making temporary flooding likely during periods of intense rainfall.

He urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse into drainage channels, avoid illegal reclamation of wetlands and comply with environmental regulations designed to reduce flooding.

The commissioner also advised motorists to stay away from flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents in vulnerable communities to adhere to weather advisories and safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intervened in a dispute involving the alleged unauthorised sale of a property belonging to late Cross River State governorship candidate and elder statesman, Chief Wilfred Oden Inah.

The intervention follows petitions from members of the deceased’s family over the alleged sale of the property located at No. 63 Ibom Layout, Calabar, which they insist was not approved by all beneficiaries.

EFCC Invites Eldest Son Over Property Sale

Sources said the EFCC invited the first son of the deceased, Mr. Maurice Inah, to explain the circumstances surrounding the transaction.

He was reportedly questioned over the sale of the property, which was allegedly transferred to Mr. Emmanuel Emele for about ₦100 million.

According to family sources, Maurice was later detained but has since failed to return for further questioning, reportedly citing health challenges as reason for his absence.

Family Dispute Over Alleged Unauthorized Sale

Members of the Inah family have accused Maurice of selling the property without collective consent, insisting that the transaction violated their late father’s wishes regarding the estate.

One of the sons, Mr. Ofem Inah, described the sale as unacceptable, claiming the property was significantly undervalued.

“Our father’s position on the property was clear… it was to remain in the family and was not to be sold,” he said.

He alleged that the property—comprising a block of four flats and surrounding land—was valued between ₦300 million and ₦400 million, making the reported sale price questionable.

‘We Want Justice’ — Family Demands Reversal

Another sibling, Mrs. Mildred Ikheloa (née Inah), called for justice, insisting that their father’s wishes must be respected.

She demanded the reversal of the transaction and refund of the buyer’s payment, stating that due process was not followed.

“The money paid should be refunded to the buyer, and the property returned to the family,” she said.

EFCC Yet to Issue Official Statement

When contacted, Mr. Maurice Inah neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, describing the matter as a family issue and promising to provide clarification later.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as investigations continue.

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Residents of Agbado, Abule Ijoko, Itoki, Ope-Ilu and other neighbouring communities in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have decried the worsening condition of roads in the area, describing the situation as a major source of hardship, insecurity and economic losses.

The residents, who spoke during a visit to the communities on Tuesday, said the roads had remained in deplorable condition for more than 15 years despite repeated appeals to successive administrations.

A visit to the area revealed that the approximately 13-kilometre stretch linking Agbado Oja to Abule Ijoko has largely collapsed, with several sections rendered impassable by deep potholes, erosion and overgrown vegetation.

One of the residents, Waheed Sanyaolu, said the poor state of the road has isolated the communities and negatively affected residents’ daily activities.

“We are suffering and feel completely cut off from civilisation. We have made several appeals to the government without any meaningful response. The only intervention we witnessed was during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, but it did not bring lasting relief,” he said.

Motorists and commuters were seen struggling to navigate waterlogged sections of the road, while several vehicles and motorcycles broke down due to the deteriorating condition of the route.

Another resident noted that flooding during the rainy season has further worsened the situation.

“Travelling from Agbado Crossing to Abule Ijoko should take about 10 minutes, but the road has become almost unusable except by motorcycle. Even motorcyclists now resort to alternative inner routes through Gasline, Oluasho and Oyetedo before reconnecting to the main road,” he said.

Rising Insecurity

Residents also expressed concern over increasing insecurity, blaming the poor road network for frequent attacks by hoodlums, particularly at night.

According to Olatunji, a resident, commuters and commercial motorcyclists have become easy targets for criminals.

“Because of the bad roads, hoodlums regularly attack residents returning home from work. Passengers are robbed while motorcycles are often seized from riders. One victim was recently struck on the head with a hammer,” he alleged.

Residents Blame Train Station Construction

The residents attributed the rapid deterioration of the roads to the construction activities associated with the Lateef Jakande Train Station at Agbado Crossing.

They claimed that heavy-duty trucks transporting construction materials from the Sango-Ota axis caused extensive damage to the already fragile roads.

“The roads were bad before, but they were still manageable. Everything got worse when trucks began moving construction materials to the train station around 2017. After the project was completed, the roads were abandoned without repairs,” a community member said.

Transport Costs Soar

Commercial transport operators said the condition of the roads has significantly increased vehicle maintenance costs, forcing many to raise transport fares.

A motorcycle rider, Taoreed, lamented that he spends substantial amounts on repairs.

“Today alone, I spent N18,000 repairing my motorcycle. This has become a regular occurrence, and it is affecting our livelihood,” he said.

Flooding Threatens Residents

Residents also appealed for urgent intervention to clear blocked drainage channels around Bashy Bus Stop, warning that flooding poses serious risks to schoolchildren and other road users.

A female resident said heavy rainfall recently submerged parts of the area.

“The drainage under the footbridge is blocked and causing severe flooding. Students are forced to walk through floodwaters after school. The situation is dangerous and requires immediate attention,” she said.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Ogun State Commissioner for Works, Ade Akinsanya, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages sent to her were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

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