News
Abductors of Oyo Schoolchildren begin negotiations, give conditions for release
Suspected terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa towns in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have opened communication channels with the state government, according to a report by Saturday PUNCH.
Two highly credible sources told our correspondents that the hoodlums refused to speak directly with the families of the victims.
“They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation. So, nobody knows the details and what they are demanding,” a source said.
It cannot, however, be confirmed if the negotiation is being done by the governor himself or a representative of the state.
But a top source said the communication channel was a relief.
“It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do. But the risks are too high. The relief is that at least now, they are talking,” the source said.
It was gathered that the demands of the terrorists were being kept discreet in order not to jeopardise the lives of the victims.
The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the matter.
“I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said in a terse message to Saturday PUNCH.
Fear over fate of toddlers
Teachers and pupils, including toddlers aged two and three, were reportedly abducted in three schools last Friday.
The victims have now spent eight days in captivity.
Families and community leaders say their fears have increased as the rainy season sets in, which makes movement through forests and rough terrains increasingly difficult and dangerous for the captives.
Sources within affected communities said that the victims were being moved in thick forests and across states to evade security pressure.
They noted that survival for the children in such harsh conditions had become a major source of concern for parents already traumatised by the attack.
A community leader, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said residents were in the dark about the whereabouts of the abductees.
“We are worried about their safety. We don’t know how they are faring. Children of two-year-old are among the abductees,” the source said.
Teachers, pupils abandon classrooms
It was learnt that pupils in public and private primary and secondary schools in Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities like Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and Dananu had abandoned classrooms following the incident.
Findings by our correspondents revealed that school attendance had also dropped drastically across communities as many parents had refused to send their children to school over security concerns.
Also, despite assurances from the Oyo State Government, teachers and education workers said fear remained widespread among pupils, parents and school personnel.
A teacher at Ikose Primary School, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that attendance had dropped drastically.
She said, “All the schools, both private and public, in Ogbomoso have been empty since Monday. Pupils stopped attending school after the Esinele attacks. The matter became worse on Tuesday when some students at Areago Grammar School saw some men in the bush around them hunting squirrels.
“The students, because of the Esinele incident, raised the alarm that there were terrorists on the school premises. That led to pandemonium, and everybody started running helter-skelter. One of the pupils was knocked down by a vehicle around the Owode area of Ogbomoso, and he died instantly. His mother also died from shock after hearing about the death of her son. Ogbomoso was turned upside down on Tuesday.”
She added, “On Wednesday, only private schools had a few pupils, far below normal attendance. But pupils in public schools did not go at all. All the teachers in my school and other areas in Ogbomoso, Esinele, Yamota, Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and others had to return home around 12pm.
“The situation became worse on Thursday; the number of teachers and pupils also dropped across the area. We didn’t see any students, while many teachers also did not show up. We left school before 11am.”
The source disclosed that all teachers agreed not to go to school on Friday in honour of a former Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, who was killed by the terrorists during the incident.
Adesiyan was buried on Friday.
Similarly, a teacher in Tewure told Saturday PUNCH that some parents informed her last Sunday that their children would not be attending school because of the Esinele attack.
“They called at different times on Sunday evening to say that their children would stay away from school for some time because they were scared to attend school following the abduction of their mates in Esinele and Yamota. I could even tell from our conversations that they were scared.
“Since Monday till now (Thursday), the number of pupils in my school has reduced. The pupils who attended school on Wednesday were fewer than 20,” she said.
Another teacher in one of the schools in Ogbomoso, who identified herself simply as Oyeyemi, said fear had gripped many parents and teachers following the abduction incident.
She noted that several pupils who managed to go to school during the week were withdrawn before closing time by their parents due to growing panic and rumours of possible terrorist attacks.
“Since the incident happened, things have not been the same again. Many classrooms are half empty because parents are scared of sending their children to school. Some parents have been calling to say they would rather keep their children at home until they are sure the situation is under control. You cannot blame them because everybody is afraid.
“Attendance has dropped seriously within just a few days. In some classes, more than half of the pupils were absent. If urgent security measures are not put in place, more parents will withdraw their children completely because nobody wants to lose a child. Parents said they are no longer comfortable allowing their children attend schools located in isolated communities.
“What we need now is visible security presence around schools and communities. Parents want reassurance that their children are safe. Teachers, too, want to feel protected while doing their jobs. People are living in fear at the moment,” she said.
Teachers traumatised
Aside from Adesiyan who was killed by the terrorists during the attack, another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in captivity.
Oyeyemi said the killing of the two teachers had worsened anxiety among education workers.
“To be honest, we are traumatised. Some teachers are already discussing whether to stop going to remote schools for now. When you hear that a fellow teacher was killed and another was beheaded, you will understand the level of panic. We are humans too. We have families waiting for us at home,” she lamented.
A secondary school teacher in Oriire LGA, who requested anonymity for security reasons, also said attendance had dropped sharply in the days following the attack as many parents chose to keep their children at home.
“Even among teachers, there is anxiety because nobody can confidently say such an incident will not happen again. We are trying to encourage the students, but the fear is still there,” the teacher said.
Another teacher at a public secondary school within the Ogbomoso axis, simply identified as Tayo, said rumours circulating on social media had compounded the situation.
He said, “Some of the videos being circulated may not be accurate, but parents are reacting based on what they see and hear. Once there is a kidnapping involving schoolchildren, every parent becomes afraid.
“Attendance has definitely reduced compared to what it was before the incident. We have students who have not returned since the news broke. Parents keep calling to ask whether the environment is safe.”
Tayo added that many schools located near isolated rural communities faced unique security challenges because of their proximity to forests and long distances between settlements.
“Some parents now escort their children to school and return to pick them immediately after closing hours because they are afraid.
“Teachers are equally concerned because we work in these communities every day. What happened has created psychological trauma not only for the victims and their families but also for other children who now fear they could be the next targets,” the head teacher said.
She called on security agencies to establish a stronger presence around vulnerable schools, especially those located close to forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal groups.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in a telephone interview with Saturday PUNCH, said the fears being expressed by teachers and parents were worsened by misinformation circulating on social media.
The commissioner accused some bloggers of circulating misleading videos capable of escalating fear among residents.
He said, “Bloggers are posting videos to aggravate the situation, even when the videos are false. So, that is the position of the government.
“Yes, the state government is aware that such sad developments are taking place within the community where the incident occurred. However, most of the incidents can be attributed to fake news emanating from social media.
“You will see recorded videos showing panic among students and, of course, this resonates with parents, who naturally would not want their wards and children to come into harm’s way.”
Oyelade added that the government had already issued official statements to calm the tension and reassure residents about security efforts in the state.
49-year-old teacher buried amid tears
There was an emotional outpouring on Friday as the remains of Adesiyan were laid to rest amid tears in Ogbomoso.
The 49-year-old was killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers penultimate Friday at about 9.30 am.
The funeral service, held at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Ogbomoso Zone I, Michael Ojelabi, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde; officials of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, relatives, friends, church members, and sympathisers, who all demanded justice for the deceased and the release of the abducted victims.
It was observed that as of 10am on Friday, mourners had already gathered at the church for the service, while emotional scenes played out as family members and colleagues paid their last respects.
In his tribute read by Ojelabi, Makinde expressed sadness over the incident and assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
He said, “The state government is sad about the incident, and the government is doing all within its capacity to ensure that those in captivity are returned unhurt.”
Also speaking, the state NUT Chairman, Fatai Hassan, described the late teacher as a dedicated, humble and peace-loving professional whose impact would be missed by colleagues and students.
He said, “Today, the classrooms you once taught in will miss your voice, the staff room will miss your presence, and the union will miss your courage. Your family will miss your love and care. Indeed, a great tree has fallen. As human beings, we may question this painful incident, but God knows all things.
“Even in our tears and confusion, we take solace in the fact that your life, though short, was meaningful and impactful. In the journey of teachers, you touched many lives and left behind family, friends and loved ones. We pray that God strengthens your wife and every member of your family during this difficult period.”
In his sermon, the Senior Pastor of Ayegun Baptist Church, Rev. Paul Olaleye, urged the relatives of the deceased to be comforted and leave everything in God’s hands.
He called on people to always prepare for death, saying it could come at any time.
Olaleye said, “Death will not tell anybody the day and time it will come, but we need to prepare ourselves because after death, we will know either we have eternal joy or eternal sorrow.
“We need to prepare. Life is unpredictable and fragile. A day is coming when we will stand before God and give account of what we came to do in life. We need to start behaving as if it is time for us to die.”
An uncle of the deceased, Oyegun Sangotoye, who spoke with Saturday PUNCH shortly after the internment at the deceased’s residence, described him as a pillar of support for the family, lamenting that his death had robbed the family of its strength.
Sangotoye, a teacher at Community High School, Onikoko, Oriire LGA, said the deceased’s absence would be deeply felt by the entire family.
He, therefore, demanded justice, calling on government and security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack and bring them to justice.
Beheaded teacher childless despite 10 years’ marriage – Family
The family of Michael Oyedokun, the Oyo State schoolteacher abducted and later beheaded by terrorists, has said he died without a child despite being married for over 10 years, describing his death as a devastating and irreplaceable loss.
The spokesperson for the family, Ebeni Adediran, said the late teacher was a humble and peace-loving man who dedicated over two decades of his life to educating young Nigerians before his tragic killing.
“He was a good man in our family and this is why his death is a big loss to us, an irreplaceable loss. His death is painful. We can’t even describe his death,” Adediran said in a report by Sahara Reporters.
He explained that Oyedokun attended primary school in his community, proceeded to Ogbomoso Baptist High School and later qualified as a teacher, serving for about 21 years in public schools.
According to him, the deceased had recently been transferred back to his hometown after years of service in Oke-Ogun and remained closely attached to his family, regularly visiting his parents every few weeks.
Adediran said one of the most painful aspects of the tragedy was that Oyedokun left no child behind.
“The most painful part is that he did not leave any child behind. He had a wife but they did not have any child.
“They had been married for more than 10 years and despite all their efforts, no child came out of the marriage. And now the same man has died and there is no child to continue his lineage,” he lamented.
The teacher’s killing sparked outrage after a disturbing video allegedly released by his abductors surfaced online, showing him bound and forced to speak before he was murdered.
His remains have since been buried in his hometown amid tears and grief from relatives, friends and community members.
Meanwhile, the family has appealed to Nigerians to stop circulating graphic videos and photographs of the slain teacher, warning that the continued sharing of such content is worsening their emotional trauma.
“We truly appreciate the love, concern and sympathy shown towards our family during this painful time.
“However, the continuous circulation of those videos and images is deeply traumatising for us as a family.
“His loved ones and all of us, his nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives, have been emotionally devastated, especially as these contents keep appearing on social media,” the family said in a statement.
Oyedokun’s killing comes amid renewed national debate on the safety of educators and rising insecurity affecting rural schooling in parts of Nigeria, where teachers and students face increasing kidnapping risks along isolated routes. (Saturday PUNCH)
…issues ultimatum to bandits, kidnappers, their sponsors to surrender or…
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that no mercy will be shown to terror purveyors who enable the killing and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians.
He also issued an ultimatum to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state, disclosing that his administration had already neutralised over 13,000 terrorists in the past year alone.
Tinubu gave the warning in his national address delivered on the occasion of the country’s 27th consecutive Democracy Day celebration, his fourth as President since 2023.
According to him, although terror-related deaths had declined by 81 per cent since 2015, Friday’s Democracy Day celebration was subdued by the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states.
He declared, “To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State.
“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
The Nigerian leader said his administration had moved beyond training with allies to precision operations on the ground.
“We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting.
“In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre.
Terror-related deaths are down by 81 per cent since 2015.
“Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year,” he stated.
Tinubu added that despite the neutralisation of terrorists, the door of rehabilitation remained open alongside the door of force.
“Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor,” he said.
The N5.41tn security allocation in the 2026 budget, Tinubu said, was a statement of national will to crush the current wave of terrorism, which has raged since 2009.
Beyond the budget, he said his administration had approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits, which, he revealed, was designed to address the persistent gap between the number of security personnel and the security demands of over 230 million Nigerians.
Tinubu acknowledged that even as the country celebrates 27 years of steady democracy, this year’s festive spirit of Democracy Day was weighed down by the continued hostage situation involving school children and teachers kidnapped in Oyo and Borno states, which has now entered its fourth week.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is a mirage.
“That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits.
“Our 2026 budget commits N5.41tn, our largest ever, to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” he stated.
He called for national unity in the face of the security challenge, rejecting ethnic or religious framing of criminality and urging Nigerians to do the same.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity.
“We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history.
“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he declared.
On the intermittent power crisis of the past three years, the President explained the scale of the challenge he inherited and his response so far.
He said by 2023, the sector was “characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million.
“The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted, and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself,” he added.
Tinubu said in response, he signed the Electricity Act, granting states authority to generate, transmit and distribute power, authorised the Presidential Power Sector Task Force to raise a N4tn bond to settle verified legacy debts, and directed the Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, to deploy off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets and hospitals.
He explained, “To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power.
“The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4tn bond to settle verified legacy debts.
“The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals.
“Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.”
On the broader economy, Tinubu said federation revenues had risen, providing states and local governments with more resources, fiscal transparency had improved, and investor confidence had returned across agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative industries.
He said non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent last year, over 1,000 small and medium enterprises had been certified for export, and the National Agricultural Development Fund was deploying 10,000 tractors over five years.
However, he acknowledged that hardship persists.
“Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.
“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket,” he stated.
Today, we celebrate not only democracy but also the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.
In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.
To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.
To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.
Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation. We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy. I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers—both those who have passed and those still with us—for their patriotic contributions.
Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is a mirage. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.
We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.
To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.
At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.
June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.
June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.
The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.
Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.
Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.
By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million. Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.
To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.
Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment. The National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years. Over 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year.
Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.
We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.
Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils. A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance.
Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.
Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.
Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.
Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Oladele Alake
Olatunji Bello
Louis Odion
Segun Babatope
Sam Omatseye
Sir Ademola Osinubi
Bola Bolawole
Lade Bonuola
Femi Kusa
Debo Adeniran
Chief Ayo Opadokun
Chief Ralph Obiora
Ose Osayande
Barrister Osa Director
Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
Dr Osagie Obayuwana
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
Barrister Titus Mann
Joe Igbokwe
Richard Akinnola
Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
George Mbah
Dr Niran Malaolu
Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
Femi Aborisade
Jenkins Alumona
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta
We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle:
Major General MA Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Col Umar Farouk Ahmed;
Col Sambo Dasuki;
Col Lawan Gwadabe;
Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
Col Musa Shehu;
Major General Chris Eze;
Major General Harris Dzarma;
Col Isa Jibrin;
Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin;
Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Col J Okai;
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze;
Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.
The honours list will be released in the next few days.
Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.
Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.
May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to bless us all.
Happy Democracy Day.
BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria
News
Mild drama as policemen, court bailiff storm Nwobodo’s Amechi Country home over Investor’s lawsuit
There was a mild drama in Amechi Awkunanaw, the native home of the former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, on Thursday morning as they tried to serve a court process.
A team from the Magistrate Court Enugu South, backed by a team of armed police officers, arrived to serve a court summons on the elder statesman’s wife, Patricia Nwobodo.
The dramatic encounter highlights an escalating legal dispute involving a prominent investor, Chief Basil Kenechukwu Ogbuanu.
The operation follows several failed attempts by court officials to deliver the legal documents to Patricia Nwobodo through regular administrative means.
Frustrated by the inability to effect service, High Court authorities took the unusual step of requesting a formidable security escort. The move was deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the court bailiff and to guarantee that judicial orders could be carried out at the high-profile country home.
The roots of the confrontation stem from a bitter legal battle between Mrs. Patricia Nwobodo and Chief Basil Kenechukwu Ogbuanu, a well-known investor in the region.
The civil matter follows the recent collapse of a criminal charge that had previously been brought against Ogbuanu at the instance of the Nwobodos. Following his clearance by the courts, Ogbuanu initiated the current legal action, claiming the initial criminal prosecution was a product of pure malice and falsehood.
Seeking redress for what he describes as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation and investment interests, Ogbuanu filed the suit to hold Mrs. Nwobodo accountable.
However, the progression of the case stalled due to the court’s repeated inability to officially serve her with the originating processes. This procedural bottleneck ultimately forced the Enugu State High Court to employ more assertive measures on Thursday.
The security convoy arrived at the main gates of the Nwobodo country home in Amechi Awkunanaw at exactly 8:47 AM, taking household staff and local residents by surprise.
The scale of the security deployment signaled how seriously the judiciary viewed the persistent evasion of court processes.
With the perimeter of the property secured, a small group consisting of the court bailiff, a female police officer, and an accompanying policeman stepped forward. They entered the main building of the estate to locate Mrs. Nwobodo and execute the court’s directive. Outside, the remaining heavily armed officers maintained a strict cordon, keeping an eye on the developing situation.
For nearly two hours, an anxious silence hung over the Amechi community as the team remained inside the Nwobodo residence. Journalists who had trailed the security convoy observed the developments from a safe distance outside the gates.
The prolonged duration of the exercise inside the house heightened speculation among onlookers that the team was encountering significant resistance.
When the bailiff and the two officers finally emerged just about 11:09AM, the mood outside visibly shifted. Observers noted that the expressions on the faces of the court official and the police personnels were tense and strained as it was alleged that the police team received orders from the State Command Headquarters to immediately vacate the premises of Jim Nwobodo. No immediate official statement was issued by the team as they made their way back to their waiting vehicles.
Adding to the tension, journalists monitoring the area noticed a man loitering near the perimeter of the property who was making urgent phone calls.
The individual, whose ties to the household could not be immediately confirmed, appeared to be monitoring the movements of the court officials. His body language suggested a rapidly changing security situation on the ground.
As journalists drew closer to understand what was happening, they overheard the individual calling for what appeared to be immediate security reinforcement or a “backup.”
Fearing they might be caught in an ensuing clash, the journalists covering the event made a swift decision to leave the vicinity immediately. The media corps evacuated the Amechi Awkunanaw axis to avoid further trouble, leaving the final minutes of the standoff unrecorded. The hasty retreat left the journalists unable to verify the ultimate outcome of the two-hour operation.
Consequently, it remains unconfirmed whether Mrs. Nwobodo was successfully served with the court papers or if the bailiff had to retreat without success.
Furthermore, journalists could not ascertain if the court intended for a personal delivery or if the operation was an attempt at substituted service, such as pasting the documents on the property.
The coming days at the Enugu State High Court will likely reveal whether the dramatic intervention succeeded in moving the investor’s lawsuit forward.
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