Amid the hardship across the country, corporate begging has become a popular source of income for many Nigerians. Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have taken to begging as part of their strategies to make ends meet. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the people who engage in the practice usually hang around residential buildings, shopping malls, bus stops, religious centres, hospitals, markets, roadsides and offices. Speaking to THENEWSCREDIT, some of those involved blamed it on worsening hardship. One of such beggars at the Berger area of the FCT, who simply gave her name as Mrs Hauwa, said that she had taken to begging to enable her to feed her family. She said, “I have to beg to feed my sick husband and my six children. Times are hard, we feed once in two days, no money to buy my husband’s drugs because he is diabetic. “I used to work in a private firm but they reduced their staff strength due to the current economic situation in the country, and getting another job has been difficult. I have no choice but to beg as it is better than stealing.” She added that even if she gets another job, she will have to consider if the job favoured her more before she can quit begging. Another beggar, who did not give his name, said that most of them begged because they had no other means of livelihood. According to him: “I have been begging for over nine years in different locations in Abuja, I am married and blessed with nine children. “I use the money I get to feed and train my children in school; they go to school during the week and they join me in begging at weekends, we share ourselves to different locations,” he said. On his part, one Mustapha stated that he used to make over N200, 000 monthly, lamenting that he currently barely makes up to N100,000 due to the economic hardship in the country. “Due to the current economic hardship , I now make between N90,000 and N100,000 monthly. This is the only thing I know how to do and it pays me more than getting a job. ”I know when workers receive their salaries, and that is the time I go to government offices. Every season has its location,” he said. Also speaking, another beggar who preferred to be identified with just his first name, Alli, noted that he always dresses well and neat to enable his clients to give him an audience when he approaches them with his sad tales. He explained that most Nigerians are not moved and are usually not ready to help when they do not hear sad tales. He stressed that begging paid his bills, adding that he earned up to N5, 000 and above on a daily basis through begging. “I did not choose to beg but the economy turned me into one. I used to work in a factory but after the fuel subsidy removal, the company left the country and made me jobless. “I have people who depend on me, that was how I started begging. If I get a good job I may stop begging, but for now, this pays the bills,” he said.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1. The action is in protest against continued abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. Recall that on May 15, 2026, gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School (Esiele), all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting teachers, pupils and students. Those kidnapped include 39 students, seven teachers among which is Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esinele, while two teachers have been killed. The NUT directive is part of a nationwide action by the union, which also includes solidarity rallies scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, across all state capitals to demand urgent government intervention and the safe release of abducted school personnel and learners. Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, President, NUT, Audu Amba, confirmed the directive asking teachers in primary and secondary schools in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday. Amba said, “We have directed all Teachers in Oyo state to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday).” A national circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by the National President Amba and Secretary General, Clinton Ikpitibo, also conveyed the directive to state wings of the NUT. The circular directed all “public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the abducted colleagues and learners are safely released.” The national leadership also directed all state wings of the union to mobilise for nationwide solidarity rallies on June 2, 2026, which are expected to terminate at government houses where union leaders will address the press. It added that the rallies were part of broader efforts to demand safe and secure learning environments across Nigeria. The NUT expressed deep distress over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish conditions” of abducted teachers and students. The union said the victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area, despite earlier warnings and appeals for strengthened school security. It recalled its previous statement titled “Stop the Attacks on Schools, Teachers and Learners Now – Not Until We Perish,” noting that it had earlier cautioned that members would be forced to withdraw services if government failed to secure the release of the abductees. According to the union, repeated appeals to security agencies and government authorities had not resulted in the safe return of the victims, leaving families and the education community in prolonged anguish. The NUT further referenced emotional appeals reportedly made by affected school officials and teachers, calling on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, and other stakeholders to urgently intervene and secure the release of the abductees through lawful means. Meanwhile, the Oyo state Wing of the NUT has confirmed full compliance with the directive. In a circular dated May 31, 2026, and signed by State Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union formally conveyed the withdrawal of services to all teachers in public schools across the state. The Oyo NUT said the continued detention of teachers and learners had “created fear, anxiety, and disruption within the education sector, while also eroding public confidence in school safety.” It urged members to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while the union continues engagement with relevant authorities for the safe return of the abductees. The state wing reaffirmed solidarity with victims and their families, calling for urgent and decisive action to address insecurity in schools. Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Oyo State Chapter, has distanced itself from proposed protest rally. In a press statement signed by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association declared that it is not part of the planned protest and urged all members across the state not to participate or associate with it in any form. NAPPS acknowledged concerns over insecurity affecting schools and communities but insisted that such issues should be addressed through dialogue, constructive engagement, and collaboration with relevant authorities rather than street protests. The association also claimed that the planned demonstration appeared to be influenced more by “political considerations than genuine humanitarian concerns, noting that key education stakeholders such as the NUT, TESCOM, and other sector bodies were not officially involved.” It reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of pupils, students, teachers, and school proprietors, stressing that it would continue to pursue advocacy through lawful and responsible channels. NAPPS urged its members to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on academic responsibilities. The statement read in part, “NAPPS Oyo state remains committed to advocating for the security and welfare of our pupils, students, staff and school owners through lawful and responsible channels. “We urge all our members to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on their educational responsibilities.”

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned content creators, social media users and members of the public against the indiscriminate recording and circulation of police-related videos, warning that such actions could undermine security operations and demoralise officers. The IG expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of recording police officers during routine and sensitive operations and posting such content online without proper context. Speaking during an interactive session with Crime Correspondents in Abuja on Sunday, he said, “Yes, accountability is important, and we remain committed to transparency. However, recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly and should not be used to harass officers or undermine operational effectiveness,” he said. According to him, while the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability, transparency and respect for human rights, public scrutiny must be balanced with operational realities and the welfare of officers. Disu said police personnel continue to make significant sacrifices in the discharge of their duties and should not be subjected to actions capable of discouraging them. “Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain public safety. It is important that public conduct and media coverage do not discourage officers who are committed to doing the right thing,” he stated. The police chief also warned against the circulation of old or manipulated videos falsely presented as recent incidents, saying such content fuels misinformation and public anxiety. “We urge members of the public and social media users to refrain from recycling old or manipulated videos capable of creating panic or undermining national security efforts. Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability,” he said. Disu noted that policing has become increasingly demanding, with officers working extended hours under severe operational pressures across the country. He reiterated the Force’s commitment to addressing misconduct among personnel, assuring Nigerians that officers found culpable of wrongdoing would continue to face disciplinary action in accordance with established laws and professional standards. “We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to ending impunity within the Force, and we will continue to address complaints against personnel professionally and decisively. At the same time, officers carrying out lawful duties must also be protected from harassment and deliberate misinformation,” he added. The IGP further assured Nigerians of sustained engagement between the police and the media to strengthen public trust, transparency and effective communication on security matters. Earlier, the Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, called for closer collaboration between the media and the police, stressing the need for timely access to credible information during security incidents to prevent misinformation and speculation.

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State. He also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. According to a statement signed and released on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a high-powered Federal Government delegation conveyed the presidential directives to community leaders and lawmakers during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The delegation also informed leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been transmitted to the President for consideration and approval. The development comes 16 days after gunmen struck communities in the area and took dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers captive. The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, Onanuga said. Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to dispatch the nation’s top security leadership to the affected communities reflected his determination to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release. “Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely. “He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” Gbajabiamila said. He also addressed appeals from parents and community members urging caution in the rescue operation. The Chief of Staff explained: “Mr President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. “Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims. “Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.” The delegation also called on the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, at his palace to commiserate with the traditional ruler and his people. They also visited the widow of the slain teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children, where Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s personal condolences to the family and promised that they would not be left to suffer. The 1,000 forest guards approved by the President will be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, Onanuga said. The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School — in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, taking pupils and teachers captive. During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, and a security operative died after running into improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during early rescue attempts. The Oriire LGA communities sit on the fringes of a forested belt that the abductors have exploited for cover since the attack.

A high-powered federal delegation sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, to visit the grieving Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities following the mass abduction of 46 schoolchildren and teachers. The presidential delegation, led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, met with distraught families and community leaders to convey the federal government`s deep condolences and firmly reinforce President Tinubu`s commitment to securing the safe release of all remaining captives. The delegation features top-tier security and government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, and Minister of Defence Christopher Musa. The team also includes the Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe and Presidential Media Aide Sunday Dare. The officials traveled directly to the affected Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) to assess the situation first-hand and brief local leadership on active tactical operations. The deployment comes exactly two weeks after heavily armed bandits simultaneously breached three educational institutions on May 15, 2026: Community Grammar School (Ahoro-Esinele), Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), and L.A. Primary School (Esiele). During the coordinated assaults, the gunmen shot sporadically, abducting 39 students—some as young as two years old—and 7 teachers, including the school principal. The attackers subsequently retreated into the dense Oquara forest corridor, which borders neighbouring regional territories. Public anxiety and outrage have escalated across Oyo State due to the horrific treatment of the captives. A mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was brutally killed in captivity, prompting President Tinubu to declare that the perpetrators will face the "full wrath of the law". While previous rescue efforts have faced logistical constraints due to heavy seasonal rains and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the forest entry tracks, the National Security Adviser assured families that all joint-military forces have intensified search and rescue sweeps to bring the children home unconditionally. THENEWSCREDIT confirm that a joint tactical operation comprising the military, police, and local vigilante groups has already intensified tracking sweeps across the surrounding forest borders. The federal government has promised to address vulnerability gaps in rural schooling communities to prevent future breaches.

OGBOMOSO – Atunbi Baptist Church, widely known as the Victorious Church, has finalized arrangements to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a week-long series of spiritual activities, educational foundation stones, and missionary expansions. Reflecting on the milestone, the Senior Pastor of the church, Rev. Gbenga Stephen Ogunniyi, expressed deep gratitude to Jesus Christ for sustaining the ministry since its establishment. He noted that despite facing numerous trials, storms, and challenges, the church has remained resilient, deeply rooted in faith, and victorious over all adversaries. Strategic Expansion and Educational Projects As part of its commitment to community development and human capital investment, the church will officially flag off major infrastructural projects. On Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the church will host a foundation-laying ceremony for the Atunbi Group of Schools. The mega educational project comprises the Atunbi Baptist Nursery School, Atunbi Baptist College, and the Light to the World Bible College. In line with its evangelical mandate, the church will also expand its terrestrial reach on Saturday, June 6, 2026, by laying the foundation and launching a new church branch at the Pakiotan area of Ogbomoso at 9:00 AM. Anniversary Schedule of Events The anniversary committee has released a comprehensive schedule for the historic celebration: Sunday, May 31, 2026 (Sunday Service): Opening anniversary service. Topic: 10 Years Missionary Journey: Its Challenges, God Alone to be Praised (Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 11:22-32). Monday, June 1, 2026 (5:00 PM): Special Prayer of Thanksgiving. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 (5:00 PM): Intercessory Session: Prayer for the Year Ahead. Thursday, June 4, 2026 (10:00 AM): Foundation laying for Atunbi Group of Schools and Bible College. Friday, June 5, 2026 (5:00 PM): Community Praise Night. Saturday, June 6, 2026 (9:00 AM): Foundation laying and launch of Pakiotan Branch, Ogbomoso. Sunday, June 7, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Grand Finale Thanksgiving Service. The week-long event is expected to attract community leaders, Christian faithful, and delegates from the Nigerian Baptist convention to the JK Atanda Area of Ogbomoso.

OGBOMOSO — The paramount ruler of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, has undertaken a high-profile condolence and solidarity visit to the traumatized Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The emergency royal visit follows a devastating terrorist raid on local educational institutions—including Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School—where dozens of students, pupils, and teachers were brutally abducted and marched into the forest. Addressing weeping parents, community elders, and local leaders gathered at the village squares, the Soun offered words of profound comfort, solidarity, and absolute assurance regarding the safety and ultimate rescue of the captives. "The safety and security of our people remain paramount, and every act that threatens the peace and stability of our land must be confronted with firmness and urgency," the monarch stated. Oba Ghandi Olaoye condemned the criminal assault on children and educators in the strongest terms. He reassured the grieving communities that the traditional institution is working hand-in-hand with state actors and military commands to ensure no stone is left unturned in bringing the victims home safely from the bandits` den. The traditional ruler’s intervention comes at a highly critical time as the true scale of the tragedy continues to unfold. According to community leaders and palace trackers: Up to 46 individuals—comprising 7 teachers and 39 students—were forced into the bush at gunpoint. Among the hostages is a vulnerable two-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi. One teacher was shot and killed during the initial ambush. Public outrage has since escalated following reports of the brutal execution of another captive teacher, Mathematics instructor Mr. Michael Oyedokun, while in the custody of the terrorists. A distressing video recently surfaced online showing the school`s principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, alongside weeping children, pleading with the Federal Government and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to negotiate a peaceful resolution to preserve their lives. In response to the emergency, the Ogbomoso traditional council and state authorities have rapidly escalated their operational counter-measures. Personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, and local hunters have successfully cornered the bandits within the dense terrain of the Old Oyo National Park, cutting off tactical escape routes into neighboring Kwara State. Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that security forces have already arrested six logistics suspects and three local informants accused of feeding intelligence to the armed network. However, the extraction operation remains highly volatile; several local vigilantes and soldiers tragically lost their lives after encountering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the bush paths by the retreating terrorists. The Soun of Ogbomosoland has strongly urged all residents across the zone to maintain collective vigilance, practice absolute calm, and continuously supply security agencies with timely, credible information to facilitate a successful rescue operation.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved the appointment of 20 new Executive Secretaries and General Managers across various sectors of the state civil and public service. This major administrative restructuring coincided with the appointment of the new Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Adenike Ayobami Fasina, following the retirement of her predecessor. While the state government announced that 20 total positions were filled to strengthen policy execution, only the first batch of key appointments has been fully published with specific names and portfolios. According to official announcements, the following individuals are among the newly appointed top officials leading key MDAs:Mr. Dairo Jacob Olutayo – Executive Secretary, OYOSUBEB.Engineer Adekola Johnson Olusegun – General Manager, OYSROMA.Mr. Adeduntan Adeniyi Mumini – General Manager, RUWASA.Mr. Mustapha Kolawole – General Manager, Water Corporation of Oyo State.Mr. Adelakun James – General Manager, BCOS. The remaining appointments among the 20 elevated officers are being finalized for roles in various health, education, and local government boards.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said state governors are considering a new national minimum wage of N100,000 amid rising economic hardship in the country. AbdulRazaq disclosed this in a Facebook post on Saturday, noting that the proposal was driven by inflation, the rising cost of living, and mounting financial pressure on Nigerian workers. According to him, state governments are engaging the Federal Government and organised labour to agree on a wage structure that balances workers’ welfare with fiscal sustainability. “State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said. The NGF chairman added that consultations were ongoing to ensure that any new wage regime would not place excessive financial strain on states. “We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances,” he stated. He explained that the discussions focused on striking a balance between enhancing workers’ purchasing power and preserving governments’ ability to deliver critical public services and infrastructure projects. “The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain development projects that directly impact citizens,” he said. He noted that while workers deserved better remuneration, policymakers must also consider the fiscal realities confronting subnational governments. The proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to intensify national conversations around salaries, inflation, and broader economic reforms as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses. Many workers have repeatedly expressed concerns that their current earnings are no longer sufficient to meet basic household needs amid the country’s challenging economic environment. Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage currently stands at N70,000 per month. However, several states, including Lagos, Rivers and Imo, are reported to be paying above the national benchmark as part of efforts to support workers. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has continued to push for a comprehensive review of workers’ salaries, insisting that employees deserve a living wage capable of meeting present-day economic demands rather than one that merely guarantees survival.

President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the administration marks its third year in office, describing the government’s economic and infrastructure reforms as necessary steps towards long-term national development. In a statement issued on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, Akpabio praised the President’s leadership, arguing that key policy decisions and development projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda are beginning to reshape the country’s economic outlook. The Senate President pointed to major government initiatives, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Nigerian Student Loan Scheme, the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and conversion centres, tax reform efforts, and the completion of the OB3 gas pipeline project, as evidence of the administration’s reform drive. According to him, some of the government’s most controversial decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates, were difficult but necessary measures designed to place the economy on a more sustainable footing. “The courage to remove fuel subsidy, unify exchange rates, and drive infrastructure despite global headwinds shows a President committed to long-term prosperity over short-term comfort,” Akpabio stated. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to support the administration through legislation aimed at sustaining ongoing reforms. Beyond celebrating the administration’s achievements, the Senate President appeared to signal early political support for Tinubu’s future electoral ambitions, expressing hope for the successful completion of the President’s tenure and victory in forthcoming elections. The endorsement comes amid continued debate over the impact of the government’s economic reforms. While supporters argue that the policies are laying the groundwork for future growth, critics maintain that rising living costs and inflation have imposed significant hardship on many Nigerians. Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, and his administration’s economic reforms remain among the most consequential and closely scrutinised policy shifts in Nigeria’s recent history.