The Kogi State Police Command has launched a massive manhunt for three suspects following the tragic death of a 30-year-old primary school teacher, Maryam Usman, who died after being brutally assaulted for disciplining a pupil. The late educator was allegedly attacked on June 18, 2026, on the premises of Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, located in Ugbamaka within the Olamaboro Local Government Area of the state. According to a statement released on Sunday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Oyiza Salisu Afusat, the incident was officially reported as a case of culpable homicide at the Olamaboro Divisional Police Headquarters on June 25. Preliminary investigations indicate that a man identified as Abdullahi Ishaka, accompanied by two unidentified women, invaded the school premises in a fit of rage. The trio aggressively confronted and assaulted Usman over a disciplinary measure she had previously meted out to a pupil. The assault left the young teacher with severe, life-threatening injuries. “The victim sustained serious injuries and was initially treated at a hospital in Ugbamaka before being referred to Iko-Ojo Hospital, Okpo, for further medical attention. She, however, passed away on June 25, 2026,” the police statement read. Following the teacher`s death, police detectives visited both the crime scene and the deceased’s residence to document evidence. Plans are currently underway to transfer the remains to the General Hospital, Ankpa, for a forensic autopsy. SP Afusat confirmed that the suspects fled the community before law enforcement agents could arrive. She assured the public that intensive search operations are active to bring them to justice. “Upon their arrest, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a discreet and comprehensive investigation,” the PPRO added.

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has identified effective local government administration as the primary weapon against rising security challenges. He made the declaration on Monday while swearing in newly elected chairpersons for the state’s 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 13 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Speaking at the Government House, Gombe, Yahaya argued that the proximity of local councils to citizens makes them uniquely positioned to combat crime. "Local governments have become even more critical in fostering community engagement, gathering grassroots intelligence, and strengthening local peace-building mechanisms," the Governor said. He charged the new leaders to make grassroots governance the strongest campaign tool for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yahaya defended the creation of the 13 LCDAs, dismissing claims that they merely expand government bureaucracy. He revealed that the state has completed modern headquarters for the new councils and finalized all administrative processes for their take-off. Reflecting on his administration`s tenure since 2019, the Governor claimed a major financial turnaround for the state`s councils. He noted that the administration met a system where councils struggled to pay salaries and had accumulated massive gratuities. "Through prudent financial management, fiscal discipline, transparency, and responsible leadership, we reversed that unfortunate trend," Yahaya stated, adding that the councils are now financially stable. The Governor praised the Joint Projects Development Agency for fostering seamless collaboration between state and local tiers to deliver critical infrastructure. He warned the new officials against prioritizing personal interest over public service, reminding them that they hold the aspirations of millions. Responding on behalf of the chairpersons, Abdullahi Bappa of Gombe Local Government Area thanked the Governor and pledged that the new leaders would deliver on their mandates.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has strongly advocated for the preservation of Nigeria’s indigenous languages. Speaking in Lagos at the unveiling of Yorùbá: A Tonal Language Homophones by Bankole Awosika, he noted that native languages are the bedrock of the nation`s history and cultural identity. Dr. Alausa emphasized that safeguarding Nigeria`s rich linguistic diversity goes far beyond mere communication. At the launch held at Moonstone Hall, Billings Way, Ikeja, he noted:"The preservation of our indigenous languages is not merely about communication; it is about preserving history, identity, knowledge systems, and our collective heritage." The newly unveiled publication by Awosika—a linguist with decades of scholarship—dives deep into the tonal structure of the Yoruba language. It provides practical breakdowns of pronunciation, vowels, consonants, and the cultural philosophy underpinning Yoruba expressions. Nigeria boasts over 500 indigenous languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries globally. However, these traditions face the threat of extinction due to rapid urbanization and declining generational transmission. THENEWSCREDIT reports that,the Minister`s endorsement of cultural preservation comes amid shifting educational frameworks. The federal government recently reversed its mother-tongue instruction mandate in primary schools, opting instead to make English the sole medium of instruction in order to boost global competitiveness and standardized learning outcomes. Despite these curriculum changes, government officials and language advocates continue to stress that intellectual and community-level investments in native language books remain essential resources for protecting Nigeria`s linguistic traditions. Representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, along with literary enthusiasts and the Awosika family, echoed these sentiments. They urged researchers, schools, and cultural organizations to adopt the new text as a valuable tool to keep future generations connected to their roots.

The developmental landscape of Oyo State is set for a historic boost. A dynamic political movement, Omituntun 3.0, has official launched to champion and advance the remarkable achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde. Spearheaded by two visionary leaders—former Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and renowned technocrat, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu—the initiative is rallying citizens to protect and sustain the historic progress reshaping the state. The movement’s leaders declared that Governor Makinde has laid an extraordinary foundation for a modern Oyo State. They strongly cautioned against any future policy reversals. They noted that an exceptional building project must never be abandoned mid-way. THENEWSCREDIT reports that "Governor Seyi Makinde has elevated governance to an enviable height," the group stated. "The unprecedented progress recorded under his leadership deserves absolute consolidation. Omituntun 3.0 is our sacred commitment to ensuring this glorious journey continues without interruption." The choice of Hon. Adekanmbi and Engr. Salawu has ignited massive optimism across the state. Their combined expertise is widely seen as the perfect fit to drive the Governor`s master plan forward. Adekanmbi brings deep knowledge of fiscal management to keep development fully funded. Salawu provides world-class technical insight to expand landmark infrastructure projects. The movement guarantees that the administration`s stellar free education, healthcare, and security gains remain secure. Omituntun 3.0 stands as a definitive roadmap for a greater Oyo State. It guarantees that the brilliant dawn of progress will transition into an even brighter future for all citizens.

The Presidency has launched a staunch defense of First Lady Remi Tinubu following public backlash over her advice to Nigerians to engage in small-scale, informal enterprises like selling bean cake (akara) and roasted corn. Critics, including human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, had berated the remarks, suggesting the First Lady should instead set up these trades for her own family members. However, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, countered the criticism during a recent interview on the Mic-On podcast. Mr. Dare shared his own personal background, revealing that he sold akara and bananas to support his mother while growing up in Jos, Plateau State. “There’s nothing wrong with that,” Dare asserted. “My mother sold akara, bananas and oranges, and through this, they were able to train me.” He further explained that the First Lady`s message has been widely misunderstood. According to the presidential aide, Mrs. Tinubu’s primary goal was to encourage entrepreneurship and emphasize that Nigerians should strive to engage in some level of economic activity rather than remaining idle, THENEWSCREDIT reports. Highlighting the importance of the informal sector, Dare noted: “When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to raise this economy. You must not miss the First Lady’s point. Her point is that whatever it is, try and do something”.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has directly blamed Governor Seyi Makinde for the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Speaking during a live interview on Arise Television, Fayose stated that the incident was a direct consequence of the governor`s failure to proactively tackle the growing insecurity within his jurisdiction. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Fayose insisted, state governors hold the primary obligation to secure their citizens using local infrastructure. He emphasized that the Oyo State government failed to properly deploy and coordinate the security assets at its disposal before the breach occurred. "I stand by my words. Seyi Makinde was not proactive enough," Fayose stated during the broadcast. "The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo is a problem caused by Governor Seyi Makinde. It is the responsibility of the state government to mobilise the police. It is also its responsibility to manage the security network in the state." The sharp criticism follows a daring raid by suspected bandits who stormed a local community to kidnap students and educators. The incident took a tragic turn when the captors murdered one of the abducted teachers while keeping the remaining victims in captivity. The Oyo State Government has yet to issue an official response to Fayose`s critical assessment of its security architecture.

The presence of the Holy Spirit enveloped the congregation as Touched Lives Evangelical Ministry Worldwide held its official inauguration service today, June 28, 2026. Though the ministry was divine-planted on June 1, 2024, behind the Ogbomoso Beulah Baptist Conference College in the Oke-Beulah Area, its formal presentation to the body of Christ was celebrated today. The glorious event took place at the Atileyin Oluwa Cooperatives Hall, directly opposite Zoe College in the Oke-Alapata area of Ogbomoso. The under-shepherd of the ministry, Rev. Mathew Olalere Oladoke (JP), testified to God’s immeasurable favour and sustaining grace. He emotionally recounted how the Lord led the church through severe wilderness experiences, trials, and tribulations to arrive at this mountain-top celebration. Delivering the foundational sermon, Rev. Dr. Sunday A. Olojede of Imole Ayo Baptist Church (Iwagba Area, Ogbomoso) spoke on the theme "Title Without Gift," drawing his scriptural text from Ephesians 4:11-13. Rev. Dr. Olojede extended deep fraternal felicitations to Rev. Oladoke. He reminded him that even when men forget, isolate, or abandon a servant of God, the Jehovah who called him into the vineyard remains ever faithful. THENEWSCREDIT reports that In a strong admonition to the modern body of Christ, the guest preacher noted: Many ministers today desperately crave prophetic titles rather than pursuing genuine spiritual gifts. Ministers must guard their divine mandates and be deeply discerning about whom they share their visions with. Pastors must watch out for fair-weather people whose ultimate goal is to derail or spy out their liberty in Christ. Pastors must watch out for fair-weather people whose ultimate goal is to derail or spy out their liberty in Christ. As a church planter, Rev. Oladoke must never lose focus or abandon the potent messages and deliverance programmes that marked the ministry`s beginning. The atmosphere shifted into intense spiritual warfare and intercession as Prophetess Esther A. Akinloye of Global Dominion Redemption Ministry (Ede, Osun State) stepped up. She rained down prophetic declarations, unburdened blessings upon the ministry, and consecrated the host pastor with anointing oil for global exploit. The unity of the Church was evident as fellowship greetings and solidarity messages poured in from various ecumenical blocks, including: Fellowship of Baptist Church Planters, Ogbomoso, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogbomoso South LG Chapter, Ogbomoso Christian Ministers Forum, Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ogbomoso Baptist Conference. The kingdom event was graced by highly esteemed fathers of faith, Christian leaders, and dignitaries, including: Rev. Dr. Thomas Niyi-Ojo (President, Ogbomoso Baptist Conference), Prophet & Prophetess Adeolu Aderanti (Resurrection Power Church International, Ilorin), Rev. Gbenga Stephen Ogunniyi (Atunbi Baptist Church, Ogbomoso), Rev. Dr Paul Olaleye (Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso), Rev. Dr. Tayo Ayantoyinbo (New City Baptist Church, Ogbomoso), Engr. & Mrs. Odunayo Ijiehin

The Oyo State Government has lifted the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The restriction ended following aggressive security sweeps to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area. THENEWSCREDIT reports that,Information Commissioner Dotun Oyelade announced the directive on today. He advised residents of the affected border communities to resume their normal daily activities. Oyelade assured the public that joint security forces remain deployed to end the kidnapping crisis. THENEWSCREDIT reports that 48-hour curfew declared on June 24.Prolonged by 24 hours to secure tactical advantages. Operations ran daily from 4:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Cleared roads to aid military and police movements. The lifted restrictions apply to 10 specific local government areas:Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, Atiba. The military lockdown followed the May 15 coordinated raid on three schools. Armed bandits invaded Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire, seizing dozens of pupils and teachers. The mass abduction triggered nationwide outrage regarding deteriorating security in the South-West region. A combined force of the Military, Police, Civil Defence, and Amotekun Corps continues to comb the expansive national park forests. State officials reiterated that rescuing the school victims safely remains the government`s top priority.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has sharply criticized the President Bola Tinubu administration, accusing it of implementing major economic policies blindly without adequate planning. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed alleged that the Federal Government failed to conduct proper assessments before executing critical reforms, most notably the sudden removal of the petrol subsidy. According to the PRP chieftain, monumental policy decisions must always be guided by comprehensive analyses of their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). "You don`t embark on policies without SWOT analysis. The very day President Tinubu was sworn in, by his own admission, the issue about removing subsidy was not even in his speech," Baba-Ahmed stated, arguing that the administration left citizens entirely unprepared for the devastating economic fallout. "No government undertakes a policy measure of this magnitude without putting it through the most basic elements of a SWOT analysis," he added. Expressing deep disappointment with the presidency, Baba-Ahmed noted that despite his strong political credentials and ambitious "Emi lo kan" (It’s my turn) campaign posture, President Tinubu has failed to historic opportunities to fix Nigeria’s foundational crises. He pointed out a stark contradiction in the nation`s current financial reality, where government coffers are swelling while citizens starve. "Now we’re here. Nigeria is making so much money, and yet poverty levels are rising, insecurity is rising, and corruption is rising," Baba-Ahmed alleged, concluding that the current administration has largely failed to meet public expectations. The PRP chairman also firmly dismissed ongoing narratives that opposition figures are plotting to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means. He maintained that democratic patience remains the only path forward. "We intend to remove the government by voting them out of power. That is the case," he insisted. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has repeatedly defended its sweeping economic agenda, insisting that painful reforms like the subsidy removal and foreign exchange floating are bitter but necessary pills to stabilize the economy and guarantee long-term growth.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has fiercely criticized First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for advising Nigerians to start small-scale businesses like roasting corn and frying akara. Effiong challenged her to first establish these ventures for her own family to prove they can adequately feed a household. During a meeting with state governors` wives in Abuja, Senator Remi Tinubu stated that starting enterprises like selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli does not require significant capital. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong fired back on his X account, stating the First Lady should lead by example. He demanded she set up these specific businesses for her own relatives and APC women leaders to demonstrate confidence in her recommendation. Effiong argued that if the First Lady genuinely believes such small-scale trading generates enough income to pay house rent, feed families, and cover school fees, she should prove it with her inner circle. Expanding his criticism, Effiong heavily condemned the President and the First Lady. He described their leadership as "wicked," "greedy," and "extremely dangerous," warning that future generations of Nigerians will not forgive the current administration for the state of the country.