The impassioned outcry by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) during the June 12 demonstrations serves as a damning double indictment of the Nigerian state. Speaking to protesters, Falana laid bare a harrowing reality: school pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states have been abandoned to criminals for weeks. The ultimate horror—the beheading of a school teacher to coerce government action—demonstrates that the state has ceded its primary constitutional duty of protecting lives to lawless cartels. Falana’s revelation that these children are starving and denied medical care should prick the conscience of our political elite. Instead, it highlights a chilling official inertia. When a nation allows its youngest citizens to be weaponised by terrorists as bargaining chips, it forfeits its moral authority. Our security apparatus has failed at its core mission. Yet, this security breakdown is inextricably linked to the broader economic pathologies of the nation. Falana rightly connected the hostage crisis to crushing economic deprivation and state neglect. It is a profound paradox that a nation overflowing with immense natural wealth and capital resources continues to breed a population defined by hunger and absolute poverty. There is simply no structural justification for this level of misery. Poverty breeds the desperation that fuels the kidnap-for-ransom industry, while state funds that should secure our schools are lost to systemic corruption. As we mark another June 12 anniversary, Falana’s distinction between "civilian rule" and "true democracy" is a vital intellectual wake-up call. We must stop confusing the mere absence of military uniforms with the presence of democratic substance. True democracy cannot coexist with mass abductions, unchecked poverty, and state institutional decay. The federal and state governments must act immediately to rescue the Oyo captives. More importantly, Nigerians must heed Falana’s call to sustain civic engagement. Democracy is not a gift handed down by the ruling class; it is a fortress that citizens must continuously defend through relentless accountability on both economic equity and national security.

Says victims starving, denied medical care in captivity• Human rights lawyer insists Nigeria practicing ‘civil rule,’ not true democracy IBADAN — Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has demanded the immediate and unconditional rescue of school pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oyo State, lamenting that the victims are enduring horrific conditions. Falana made the passionate plea while addressing a crowd of demonstrators during the June 12 protest. He revealed that the demonstration was organized to confront the worsening wave of insecurity, severe economic hardship, and systemic injustice across the federation. Horrific Conditions in Captivity Expressing deep worry over the welfare of the hostages, the senior advocate stated that the children have been cut off from food and vital medical attention for weeks. He revealed that the crisis has already turned fatal, with the kidnappers executing a school teacher to force the government`s hand. “Those kids are suffering. No medical attention, no food for them," Falana stated. "As you are well aware, a teacher has been beheaded in order to convince the government to move speedily to have those children released.” He noted that the security failure is not isolated, pointing out that innocent school children in both Oyo and Borno states have remained in the custody of criminal gangs for several weeks without rescue. Protesting Hunger Amid Abundance The human rights activist strongly criticized the federal government over prevailing poverty levels, arguing that Nigeria’s vast natural resources leave no justification for widespread hunger. He further condemned the routine harassment and unlawful arrest of young Nigerians on highways by police officers. “We are calling on the government that there is no basis for poverty in Nigeria. Our country has enormous material, natural resources, and capital resources to make our people happy,” he added. `Civil Rule, Not Democracy` Reflecting on the significance of the June 12 anniversary, Falana argued that the country`s democratic transition remains incomplete, describing the current political structure as mere civilian administration rather than a functional democracy. While thanking the media and the public for their resilience, he charged Nigerians to sustain peaceful civic engagements until true democratic governance and total liberation are achieved.

ABUJA — Marking 27 consecutive years of uninterrupted democratic governance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged Nigerians—particularly the younger generation—to pivot from the struggle for political survival toward achieving long-term economic prosperity. In a national Democracy Day broadcast delivered on Friday, June 12, 2026, the President declared that while past heroes successfully won the battle for liberty, the historic duty of the present generation is to build a nation of economic abundance. Fragile Institutions Without Economic Substance. Reflecting on the nation`s political journey, President Tinubu paid profound tribute to Chief MKO Abiola and the martyrs of the historic June 12, 1993, election. He cautioned, however, that political freedom alone cannot sustain the country if the masses do not feel its economic impact. "Democracy without economic substance is fragile," the President stated, emphasizing that civic freedoms must be matched with tangible financial security, industrial growth, and food availability for ordinary citizens. Halting the `Japa` Wave: A Call to the Youth. A major highlight of the presidential broadcast was a direct appeal to Nigeria`s youth to look inward. Addressing the ongoing brain drain, President Tinubu urged young innovators, professionals, and creators to deploy their skills within the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad. He emphasized that sustainable growth relies entirely on homegrown solutions. He promised that the administration`s policy framework will continue to build a domestic ecosystem capable of absorbing and rewarding local talent. Local Government Autonomy and Strategic Honors. To accelerate rural development and tackle grassroots challenges, the President outlined key structural pillars for the future: An aggressive pursuit of total financial autonomy for local governments to empower grassroots administration. Utilizing decentralized funding to improve community-level intelligence and combat local insecurity. The official renaming of the Kaduna Petroleum Institute to honor the legacy of the late Major-General Shehu Musa Yar`Adua. Security Challenges and the `Renewed Hope` Guarantee. The President praise-sang the sacrifices of Nigeria`s military frontlines but maintained a somber tone regarding ongoing security gaps. He openly acknowledged the painful reality of children still held captive by bandits and terrorists in Borno and Oyo states. "Democracy without security is not solid enough," Tinubu noted, re-assuring families of captives that rescue operations remain top priorities. Concluding the broadcast, President Tinubu called on political opponents and citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and despair. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, he promised a restructured economy, accessible justice, and an inclusive Nigeria where no citizen is left behind.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned against indulging in corrupt practices, especially among professionals. He said that public service should be about responsibility and not personal enrichment, adding that professionals have a critical role to play in restoring ethical standards across both public and private sectors. Sanusi reportedly made the call on Thursday during the 60th anniversary of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) and the inauguration of its Kano State Chapter in Kano, adding that integrity remains central to national development. “People can make money without being corrupt. People can make money without breaking the law. People can award contracts without taking bribes. Roads can be built without people making illegal money,” he said. According to him, corruption thrives when individuals use public office for personal gain instead of service to the people, saying that if you want to make money, go into business. He also called for a revival of ethical values in governance and the civil service, noting that Nigeria’s development has suffered due to a decline in discipline and accountability. He recalled that the civil service was once stronger because permanent secretaries played key roles in maintaining order, continuity and adherence to rules.

The Oyo State Government has suspended the entire technical crew and management of Crown FC. The decision was necessitated following the team’s poor performance in the Nigeria National Leagu, NNL, last season. The state ministry of youth and sports announced the suspension today. According to the statement, the suspension takes immediate effect. The ministry stated that further decisions regarding the club and the next course of action would be communicated in due course. The Ajilete Warriors endured a difficult campaign and only secured their NNL status on the final day of the season. Crown FC finished in seventh position on the Conference B table with 16 points from 16 points.

The Nigerian Senate has called on state governments to stop making peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, saying such deals rarely bring lasting peace and could end up encouraging more crime. The lawmakers also asked the Nigeria Police Force and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre to identify and arrest bandits who openly use social media platforms, especially TikTok. The Senate said many of them display large amounts of cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities. The decision followed a motion raised by Senator Sunday Karimi over recent attacks in communities in Kogi West Senatorial District. Karimi told the Senate that terrorists recently attacked Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and attempted to kidnap students writing their Senior School Certificate Examination. According to him, the attack led to the deaths of the school’s vice principal, a teacher and another resident. He added that the incident occurred just a day after another attack on a private home in Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area, on June 8, 2026. The Senate also invited the commander of the National Centre for Control of Arms and Small Weapons to explain the recent attacks and discuss the growing problem of illegal weapons in the country The Nigerian Senate has called on state governments to stop making peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, saying such deals rarely bring lasting peace and could end up encouraging more crime. The lawmakers also asked the Nigeria Police Force and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre to identify and arrest bandits who openly use social media platforms, especially TikTok. The Senate said many of them display large amounts of cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities. The decision followed a motion raised by Senator Sunday Karimi over recent attacks in communities in Kogi West Senatorial District. Karimi told the Senate that terrorists recently attacked Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and attempted to kidnap students writing their Senior School Certificate Examination. According to him, the attack led to the deaths of the school’s vice principal, a teacher and another resident. He added that the incident occurred just a day after another attack on a private home in Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area, on June 8, 2026. The Senate also invited the commander of the National Centre for Control of Arms and Small Weapons to explain the recent attacks and discuss the growing problem of illegal weapons in the country.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a nationwide public holiday to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the official declaration on behalf of the government. He congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad on celebrating another democratic milestone. In his statement, the Minister honored the sacrifices of Nigeria`s democratic heroes. He emphasized that the day serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity required to sustain the nation`s freedom. Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to reflect on the country`s progress and remain committed to democratic ideals. He also assured the public that the government remains focused on securing lives and boosting economic growth across all sectors. The declaration provides a three-day weekend for public servants, private sector workers, and students nationwide. Normal business operations and school activities will resume on Monday, June 15.

Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has drawn attention to the abduction of school children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State during his performance at the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. The ‘OBO’ crooner donned a custom-made jacket with the names of the 39 abducted children and their seven teachers pinned on it. On the back of the jacket, Davido also boldly wrote; “Bring Them Home.” Davido performed his hit song ‘Fall’ and kept flaunting his jacket throughout the performance to draw attention to the abducted school children and teachers in captivity. This is not the first time the singer has called for the release of the abductees. He has previously called on the relevant authorities to ensure the victims are rescued without further delays in a social media post. He stated that the current insecurity must not be allowed to continue. Meanwhile, Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy is billed to perform at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City alongside Shakira. Burna Boy was featured in the official 2026 World Cup song ‘Dia Dia’ with Shakira. The duo are expected to perform the song at the opening ceremony. Another Nigerian singer, Rema, will also perform at the US opening ceremony in Los Angeles along with Lisa and other international pop stars.

A coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, community associations, social movements and faith-based groups has declared June 12 a day of nationwide protest and mass action against “worsening insecurity, escalating economic hardship and the continuous deterioration of the living conditions of millions of Nigerians.” The declaration was contained in a statement on Wednesday, jointly signed by the National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, Femi Falana (SAN); National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Yinka Folarin; and Hassan Soweto of the Organising Committee of the #EndBadGovernance Movement, Lagos State. Other signatories include the Organising Secretary of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement, Yusha’u Yankuzo; Secretary of Initiative and Mediation, Zauren Tuntuba da Sasanci, Ali Attahiru; and rapper, singer and songwriter, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz. The statement said the nationwide protest was aimed, among other things, at demanding the immediate release of Nigerians being held captive in Oyo, Borno, Ekiti, Kwara and other states. According to the coalition, there is nothing to celebrate on June 12 as many Nigerians continue to live in fear of attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements. Various states across the country have, in recent times, witnessed a surge in incidents of abductions, killings and other forms of terrorism. The statement read, “Innocent Nigerians are being killed, abducted, displaced and traumatised while government responses have remained largely inadequate and ineffective. “For years, the people have been subjected to repeated assurances that insecurity is being defeated. Yet the killings continue. Communities are attacked, schools are threatened, farmers cannot safely access their farms, highways remain unsafe, and countless families continue to live with the pain of losing loved ones or having relatives in captivity. “The Nigerian people deserve a pro-people government that places the protection of lives and property at the core of governance.” While lamenting the state of security in the country, the coalition also decried the hardship faced by Nigerians following the policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration. The activists said the removal of fuel subsidy, repeated increases in fuel prices, currency devaluation, rising electricity tariffs and the commercialisation of essential services had pushed millions deeper into poverty. “Despite the significant increase in the monthly statutory allocations to the three tiers of government, the people are getting poorer. “Food prices have skyrocketed. Transportation costs have become unbearable. Small and medium-scale businesses are collapsing under the combined burden of expensive fuel, unstable electricity and declining purchasing power. Workers’ wages remain grossly inadequate while inflation continues to erode incomes,” the statement added. The coalition urged Nigerians to join the June 12 protest across the country to compel the government to take urgent and meaningful steps to address insecurity and reverse anti-poor economic policies that have plunged millions into misery. “This protest is about the lives of our children and teachers in captivity. It is about the collective survival of ordinary Nigerians. “As a result, the coalition calls on civil society organisations and progressive groups to unite and mobilise the collective power of the Nigerian people to demand the release of all captives and oppose the anti-people policies of the Tinubu administration, which have continued to increase poverty in the land,” the statement read. Other signatories to the statement were the Executive Director of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation, Mike Igaga; President of the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association, Rufus Olusesan; and Segun Oladunni of the Joint Action Front. The list of leaders also calling for the protest includes the General Secretary of Socialist Labour, Abiodun Olamosu; Lead of the Calabar Group of Socialists, Jonathan Ugbal; Country Director of Citizens Solution Network, Richard Inoyo; Salako Kayode of the Revolutionary Socialist Movement; Omole Ibukun of the Centre for Creative Change; and National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, Adaramoye Michael.

Senior Pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Center, DIGC, Dr Paul Enenche has decried what her termed as irresponsibility of some Nigerians, who turn serious national issues into jokes. Speaking during the mid-week live service in Abuja on Wednesday, the clergyman wondered why a sane person could participate in an online giveaway organized by criminal elements. THENEWSCREDIT reports that some netizens stormed a social media handle operated by a suspected bandit recently and submitted their account details while soliciting giveaways. A young man in a viral video later cried out, claiming that he was offered N100,000 by the bandit, but the assailant later demanded N100 million from him. Leading the congregation on prayer for the nation on Wednesday night, Pastor Enenche said some Nigerians are irresponsible, stating that they are making a joke out of something devastating. He said, “I heard that there are people now canvassing for bandits to send them money, and you collect blood money, knowing that this money is from someone’s blood? “I believe that the country’s leadership knows that whatever happens, everything will be turned into a joke. “If the electoral commission declares anything it decides, no consequence, if the judiciary miscarries justice, nothing happens.”