Members of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday staged a protest at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the kidnapping of students and teachers by terrorists in the Oriire Local Government Area.

Some of the protesters were seen carrying placards with different inscriptions while expressing outrage at the worsening insecurity in the state which they said is affecting residents, farmers, traders and students.

Some of the placards read, “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice.”

Speaking during the protest, one of the protesters said Nigerians were becoming increasingly frustrated by the persistent security challenges confronting the country.

“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” the protester said.

The protest comes amid the growing outrage over the continued stay of the victims in the terrorists camp two weeks after they were kidnapped from their schools in the Ahoro-Esiele community of Oriire Local Government Area.

The protesters, who converged on the busy junction in the state capital, called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and address the rising cases of kidnapping across Oyo State.

Governor Seyi Makinde had visited the community on Saturday assuring the families of the victims that his administration will take all the necessary steps within the law to secure their release from the terrorists’ den.

Makinde gave the assurance during a visit to Ahoro-Esiele community, where he met with affected families, community leaders, and residents at the open field of L.A. Basic School.

Speaking at the meeting, the governor said the state government shared the pain and concerns of the families and remained fully committed to ensuring the victims’ safe return.

“I understand the pain and anxiety that many of you are experiencing at this moment. As your government, we share your concerns, and we are fully committed to securing the safe return of our children and their teachers,” he said.

On Sunday, a delegation of the federal government of Nigerian led by the Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila visited the community to assess the situation and speak with families and community members.

Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, on Sunday hosted former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, at his residence in Ikeja, Lagos, where both leaders emphasized political unity, reconciliation, and continued development.

Bello, accompanied by members of his entourage, was warmly received by Faleke and his family during the courtesy visit, which provided an opportunity for both politicians to reflect on leadership, governance, and the future of Kogi State.

Speaking during the visit, Faleke expressed appreciation to the former governor for the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of brotherhood and mutual respect.

He recalled that Bello had previously paid him a similar visit in Abuja, noting that such engagements help strengthen political relationships and foster unity among leaders.

“I want to thank you for finding time to visit us, rejoice with us, and dine with my family. This is not the first time you have shown such goodwill. Your visits demonstrate the importance of maintaining strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect,” Faleke said.

The lawmaker commended Bello’s record as governor of Kogi State, expressing confidence that his achievements in office would serve as a strong foundation for his senatorial ambition.

“As we prepare for the campaign season, I want to wish you success. Your achievements will continue to speak for you. The people can see the impact of your leadership and the difference you made while serving as governor,” he said.

Faleke added that Bello’s performance in office had earned him substantial goodwill among the electorate and expressed optimism about his prospects in the forthcoming election.

He also praised Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for sustaining governance and development initiatives in the state.

“I have commended Governor Ododo both privately and publicly. He is doing very well, and I wish him continued success in serving the people of Kogi State,” Faleke stated.

Reflecting on political reconciliation, the lawmaker stressed that politics should not be treated as a do-or-die affair, noting that former rivals often find common ground in the interest of peace and development.

“In politics, the impossible can become possible. People who were once perceived as opponents can become allies. Life is too short for unnecessary political divisions. We should focus on unity and collective progress,” he said.

Faleke also described Lagos as a welcoming and accommodating state where individuals are judged by their contributions rather than their ethnic or regional backgrounds.

“Lagos appreciates people who mean well. The state welcomes everyone and rewards hard work, dedication, and good intentions regardless of where they come from,” he added.

Responding, Bello thanked Faleke and his family for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his entourage.

The former governor commended Faleke’s leadership qualities and contributions to public service, describing him as one of the political leaders who embody the values and leadership philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I am proud of you and your accomplishments. Through the mentorship and teachings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have leaders like you who continue to make meaningful contributions to governance and nation-building,” Bello said.

He emphasized the importance of unity in advancing development, stressing that political leaders must continue working together in the interest of their people.

“Whatever we seek to achieve for our state and our people becomes easier when we are united. We must continue to work together for progress, development, and the overall good of our communities,” he said.

Bello also expressed appreciation to Faleke’s family for the hospitality shown during the visit, describing the engagement as an opportunity to further strengthen ties among political leaders committed to national development.

The meeting comes amid increasing political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both leaders reaffirming the importance of unity, reconciliation, and service to the people.

A jury in Texas, United States, has convicted Nigerian-born Roman Catholic priest, Anthony Odiong, of sexually assaulting women who were under his spiritual care.

Odiong, 57, was found guilty of one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a trial in Waco, Texas.

The verdict was delivered on Friday after approximately two hours of deliberation by a jury comprising eight women and four men.

During the trial, two women testified that the priest exploited his position as a spiritual leader to manipulate and pressure them into sexual relationships.

Prosecutors argued that Odiong abused the trust placed in him by women who sought spiritual guidance during emotionally difficult periods of their lives.

One of the complainants, identified in court documents as Mary Doe, told the court that Odiong initiated a sexual relationship with her while counselling her through a divorce. She further testified that her son once discovered them during a sexual encounter at her residence.

Another woman, identified as Jane Doe, alleged that the priest pressured her into sexual acts under the guise of providing spiritual direction.

The case gained wider attention following a 2024 investigation by The Guardian, which detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and coercion against Odiong during his ministry in Texas and Louisiana.

Prosecutors said the report encouraged one of the victims to approach law enforcement authorities with additional allegations.

Investigators later gathered further evidence, including DNA evidence linked to a child reportedly fathered by the priest during his time in Louisiana.

Odiong, a naturalised U.S. citizen ordained in Nigeria in 1993, served in several Catholic parishes across Texas and Louisiana.

Authorities noted that he was suspended from active ministry in 2019 following earlier misconduct allegations.

Although the priest pleaded not guilty and his legal team maintained that the relationships were consensual, prosecutors successfully argued that he had abused his clerical authority and influence over vulnerable women.

Sentencing is scheduled to begin on Monday, with Odiong facing the possibility of life imprisonment on the first-degree sexual assault conviction.