The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has enjoined Nigerians to hold on to hope that the country will overcome the current insurgencies just as it survived past political upheavals and pandemics. Akpabio spoke on Sunday at an interdenominational church service at the National Christian Centre as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration. The theme of the special service was, “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams.” The Senate President urged Nigerians to count their blessings as they celebrate 27 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria. Akpabio told the congregation: “We have survived political upheavals and economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies. “We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand: 27 years of democratic governance, 27 years of constitutional order, 27 years of renewed hope. “But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country. “There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality. “The kidnapping of innocent citizens, especially children, wounds the conscience of our nation.” Akpabio said the pain was deeply personal to him, having experienced the trauma of violence, insecurity and terror during the Nigerian Civil War. “That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive. “I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction. “It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more. “When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayers. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, ‘What if we were not praying?’ today, I want you to ask the same question. With the things happening around us, what if we were not praying? “We must continue praying so that the evildoers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus’ name. If they are in government, they shall be exposed in Jesus’ name. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus’ name. “Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated. “On the part of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this administration remains steadfast in its determination to secure the freedom of those in captivity, defeat the forces of terror and criminality, and restore peace to our communities. “We shall continue to act together, pray together and persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” Akpabio said. Also speaking during the service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said President Bola Tinubu had assured Nigerians that his administration would intensify efforts to ease the economic hardship facing citizens. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to defeat insecurity and secure the release of all persons held captive across the country.

Fifty elderly residents of Magamin Diddi village in the Magami/Faru Ward of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, who embarked on a peace mission to reconcile with bandits terrorising their communities, have been kidnapped after visiting the bandits’ hideout. The chairman of Maradun Local Government, Bello Dosara, confirmed the incident but said the villagers met with the bandit kingpin without the government’s approval. He added that Jammo, the bandit kingpin operating from Muntsira Forest in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State, was responsible for the abduction. “We are against reconciliation with the bandits, and Governor Dauda Lawal never supported that, but unknown to us, the people chose to go on with it,” Dosara said. Dosara further explained that the bandit kingpin had blocked the villagers’ access to the market but that the local government had consistently provided them with weekly security escorts to enable them to travel to and from the market safely. The council chairman also confirmed the release of 11 of the abducted villagers, while the remaining 39 are still being held captive. “He released some to just brief the people on the unfortunate incident,” he added. Also speaking, the councillor representing Magami/Faru Ward, Bello Husseini, revealed that the bandit kingpin, Jammo, who has been terrorising the area, had previously clashed with the Zamfara State security outfit, Askarawa, during which two of his lieutenants were killed, and their rifles seized. However, during the last fasting period, the bandits launched a reprisal attack in which they killed two Askarawa personnel and took away their rifles. “You see, we are one to one; they killed two of us and took away their rifles, and we also killed them and possessed their firearms initially,” Husseini said. He added that the bandit kingpin requested reconciliation after one of his fighters was killed during a recent military operation in Kandare village, a request that the villagers granted on their own despite the government’s policy against such negotiations. according to Husseini, Jammo is currently demanding N24 million in exchange for the three seized rifles. “We are against any form of reconciliation because we know they are not trustworthy; they can speak one true statement against a hundred lies. The people he held hostage were elderly, and he had no reason to hold them hostage; he betrayed them by saying he was tired of banditry and opted for reconciliation,” Husseini said. The councillor further stated that he had relocated from his ward because of insecurity, despite his opposition to reconciliation in any form. The chairman and the councillor jointly called on the government and security agencies to launch an offensive against the “Dajin Natsira”, arguing that the bandits operating there have never faced sustained military confrontation throughout the history of banditry in Zamfara State.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, has revealed that residents of a community in Oluyole Local Government Area allegedly watched suspected kidnappers bring abducted victims into a residential property without reporting the activities to security agencies. The remarks were disclosed in a post shared on the official page of presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, following the rescue of Mrs. Busayo John-Paul and her twin sons from a kidnapping syndicate in Oyo State. According to the post, the commissioner spoke while leading journalists to a residential building in Araromi Quarters, Ayegun North, Oluyole Local Government Area, where the victims were allegedly held before their rescue by police operatives. Olugbenga said preliminary investigations indicated that the location had allegedly been used repeatedly by kidnappers as a hideout for abducted victims. According to him, some residents in the area reportedly observed suspicious movements around the property but failed to alert security agencies. “They have been bringing the abductees here. They bring them here, and people see them. Some even greet them and say ‘welcome.’ When people see such things and don’t speak up, what do you expect us to do?” The commissioner queried. He added that early reports from residents could have enabled security operatives to intervene before the situation escalated. “If suspicious activities like this had been reported, none of this would have happened. We would have taken the necessary steps in good time,” he stated. The police commissioner stressed that tackling kidnapping, banditry and other security threats requires cooperation between security agencies and members of the public. According to the post, he urged residents to promptly report unusual movements and suspicious activities within their communities to relevant authorities.

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly’s controversial N110 billion vehicle and allowance schemes, ruling that the spending of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members breached procurement laws, constitutional obligations, and the public trust. The court also ordered the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, “to ensure that all future procurements or expenditure of public funds by the National Assembly comply strictly with due process requirements and are also guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and value for money.” The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, by Justice Yellim Bogoro in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project against the National Assembly. The certified true copy of the judgment was sighted on Sunday. SERAP, in a statement issued by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said it filed the lawsuit in August 2023 against Mr. Akpabio and Mr. Abbas, following plans to spend N40 billion on 465 vehicles and N70 billion in allowances for new lawmakers amid worsening economic hardship across the country. In her judgment, Justice Bogoro held that “looking at the magnitude of the expenditure, coupled with the absence of demonstrable due process, leads me to conclude that the procurement is arbitrary, disproportionate and inconsistent with statutory procurement standards.” She also held that “the beneficiaries of the expenditure are the very officials approving it, and the expenditure confers direct pecuniary and material benefits. This to my mind constitutes a case of self-dealing and conflict of interest.” Justice Bogoro further stated, “I have taken judicial notice of the economic realities in Nigeria and the widespread financial hardship affecting Nigerian citizens. In this context, the allocation of N110 billion for the benefit of lawmakers demonstrates a failure to prioritise national interest. “The Defendants have urged the Court to decline jurisdiction on grounds of legislative autonomy. It should be noted that the doctrine of separation of powers does not operate as a shield for illegality. It is noteworthy to state that the Court is concerned on the legality and constitutionality of legislative spending. “The allocation of N110 billion for the benefit of lawmakers also undermines the fiduciary duty owed to the Nigerian people. Public office must not be used for personal enrichment. Public officers must act within constitutional boundaries and in good faith. I hold that the conduct complained of is inconsistent with the oath of office. “The Defendants [Mr. Akpabio, Mr. Abbas, and members of the Senate and House of Representatives] formulated two principal issues for determination in response to SERAP’s Originating Summons; firstly: ‘Whether in the circumstances of this case, this Honourable Court possesses the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the suit.’ “Secondly, ‘Whether SERAP has adduced sufficient evidence to warrant the grant of the declarations, orders, and injunctions sought.’ “I have earlier in this judgment reproduced the question for determination as proposed by SERAP. But I will quickly state that SERAP has sought for the judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions in relation to the proposed expenditure of public funds by the Defendants. “The gravamen of SERAP’s case is that the planned use of the N40 billion for procurement of vehicles and N70 billion as support allowances under the Supplementary Appropriation Act 2022 (signed in 2023) is unlawful and in breach of Section 57(4) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007; paragraph 1 Part 1, Fifth Schedule (Code of Conduct for Public Officers) and Oath of Office under the Seventh Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]. “Brief facts of the case as could be gleaned from the affidavit in support show that the Defendants allegedly approved the purchase of 465 bulletproof vehicles at about N305 million per vehicle, bringing the total project cost to N110 billion; that the expenditure is excessive and violates the Nigerian Constitution, the Public Procurement Act 2007, and the remuneration framework of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). “It is the submission of SERAP that it wrote a letter to each of the Defendants requesting a reversal of the decision which was ignored. The Defendants denied the allegations and assert that the claims are based on media speculation, that the expenditure was lawful and duly appropriated, the funds have already been expended, the suit is academic, and that there is no valid pre-action notice served. “SERAP further submits that the suit raises live constitutional issues; declaratory reliefs are still grantable despite completion of the act; and that pre-action notice is not required due to the urgency and nature of the action.” “Now back to the main issue for determination. I have from the singular question formulated these issues for determination: (1) whether SERAP has the requisite locus standi to institute this action; (2) whether failure to serve pre-action notice is fatal to this suit; (3) whether this suit has been overtaken by events; and (4) whether SERAP has established entitlement to the relief sought. “I will first determine the jurisdictional issues raised by the Defendants which are issues of non-issuance of pre-action notice on the 1st Defendant; want of cause of action; abuse of court process; and whether this suit is academic. “On whether SERAP has locus standi to have brought this suit, I will state that the law has now evolved to recognise public interest litigation. NGOs (as SERAP in this suit) can institute actions to protect public interest. “From the facts deposed and given the nature of the suit, SERAP being a public interest organisation committed to transparency and accountability has demonstrated sufficient interest. I therefore hold that SERAP has locus standi to sue, as the matters are of undeniable public concern. “On the issue of non-issuance of pre-action notice to the 1st Defendant, Section 21 of the Legislative House (Powers and Privileges) Act 2017 provides thus: ‘A person who has cause of action against a Legislative House shall serve a three months written notice to the office of the Clerk of the Legislative House disclosing the cause of action and relief sought.’ “The Defendants contended that failure to serve a pre-action notice is fatal; ordinarily that is the correct position. However, there are exceptions to this general rule. Pre-action notice is not mandatory where the matter is urgent or where the matter involves public interest or fundamental rights. “To this end, I have sighted Exhibits A5 and A6 attached to the affidavit supporting the Originating Summons titled ‘Re: Request to Rescind the Scandalous National Assembly Budget of ₦110 Billion to Buy 465 Bulletproof SUVs and Support New Lawmakers.’” On jurisdictional objections, she ruled that legislative autonomy does not shield illegality, stressing that courts can intervene where constitutional breaches occur. SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the ruling as “a major victory for transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources in Nigeria.” He added that the judgment shows that “public office is a public trust.” The statement also quoted human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), saying SERAP “deserves commendation,” adding that lawmakers’ lifestyle choices amid hardship “cannot be justified.” He urged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to act within its constitutional mandate on lawmakers’ remuneration. The court declared that the vehicle procurement and allowances breached the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct rules, and constitutional oath provisions, and ordered strict compliance with due process in future spending.

IBADAN — Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (APC-Oyo South) has strongly refuted social media reports attempting to link him to the recent abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul—sister to Nigeria`s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu—and her twin sons. In a statement released by his Media Office, the lawmaker described the viral publications as "irresponsible, defamatory, politically motivated, and completely devoid of credibility." Social media reports attempted to connect the lawmaker to the kidnapping incident based on campaign materials or stickers allegedly found with a suspect under investigation. Senator Alli categorically denied any connection to the criminal incident, the suspects, or any acts of violence, calling the attempt to link campaign stickers to criminality "absurd and illogical." The statement highlighted that even the circulating reports admitted no security or law enforcement agency has established any link between the Senator and the crime. The Oyo South representative called on security agencies to investigate the source of the narrative and bring the purveyors of the fake news to justice. The media office stated that the publication is a desperate agenda by political detractors aiming to tarnish the reputation of the Ibadan High Chief. "Senator Alli strongly condemns kidnapping and every form of criminality," the statement read. "As a responsible statesman and advocate of the rule of law, he has consistently supported efforts aimed at strengthening security and protecting lives and property across Oyo State and Nigeria." The public has been urged to disregard the report entirely to avoid undermining ongoing security investigations or heating up the political landscape unnecessarily. Senator Alli maintained that he remains fully focused on his legislative duties and his commitment to the people of Oyo State.

In the midst of hardship, insecurity, and high cost of living rocking Nigerians, the Founder of the Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle John Okoriko, has urged Christians to remain resolute and unshaken in faith. Speaking during the monthly Interactive Service in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on the theme ‘Do Yourself No Harm,’ the Cleric urged Nigerians not to consider suicide and other forms of self-destruction despite the prevailing economic condition in the country. Okoriko regretted that many people today cannot face ugly situations, adding that if people don’t harm themselves, nothing else, including the hardship and other challenges, can harm them. He noted that force within is greater than any force outside. ” It is true that people are passing through a lot in the country, but if you have Christ in you, you can negotiate all challethe nges of life and escape from it without harming yourself. I encourage you to remain steadfast in high spirits as things will surely get better. “The issue is that what you see most of the time, may not be the truth about the situation. So, do not harm yourself.” He said. The cleric also knocked prophets or pastors who collect money from people for counselling, saying that such an attitude does not reflect the virtues of Christ. “No true prophet or pastor will demand anything, ,be it money or other materials from victims, sick people, helpless people, dysfunctional people, or vulnerable people to pray or heal them. Have you seen anywhere in the bible where Jesus Christ, who is our model collected money from anyone to perform miracle? But some of us are selling holy water, olive oil of 1500 sold at N7,000 or more, this is not the standard that Christ set for us!” He said.

OGBOMOSO— It was an atmosphere of gratitude, sober reflection, and historic expansion as Atunbi Baptist Church (also known as Victorious People’s Church), located at the Ogbomoso South Housing Estate, celebrated its landmark 10th-year anniversary today, Sunday, June 7, 2026. The momentous decade-long milestone was marked by major infrastructure triumphs, including the launch of a mega educational group of schools and the planting of a new missionary outpost. Dignitaries, Clergy, and Church Planters Rally Support The anniversary service drew prominent community leaders, veteran missionaries, and ministers of God who gathered to solidarity with the growing church. Among the notable dignitaries present were Prince Aderemi Farooq Olude, Chairman of the Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaaye Headquarters; Rev. Dr. Steve Enyi, Former Director of the Global Mission Board of the Nigerian Baptist Convention; and Rev. Gabs Owolabi, Pastor of New Era Baptist Church, Ogbomoso. A large contingent of fellow indigenous church planters also attended to celebrate the milestone. A Journey Borne Out of Tribulation Addressing the congregation, the pioneer home pastor, Rev. Gbenga Stephen Ogunniyi, delivered an emotional recount of the severe challenges, tribulations, and institutional roadblocks he, his family, and the congregation endured before and during the inception of the church. Rev. Ogunniyi specifically recalled the painful lack of support from the Nigerian Baptist Convention during their early ministerial struggles. He noted that the convention failed to back the ministry despite the passionate, direct intervention of the late former General Secretary of the Ogbomoso Baptist Conference, Baba late Rev. Dr. Joseph Ayanlola. In a moving moment of remembrance, the cleric asked the congregation to stand for a minute of silence to honor the memory of three foundational pillars whose immeasurable support sustained the church through its darkest times: his late mother, Dns. Dorcas Ogunniyi; the late Rev. Dr. Joseph Ayanlola; and his wife, Mrs. Dorcas Dupe Ogunniyi. Mega Educational and Missionary Expansion Turning its trials into triumphs, the church used the anniversary week to execute massive evangelical and developmental projects: Atunbi Group of Schools: On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the church officially hosted a foundation-laying ceremony for a mega educational complex. The project comprises Atunbi Baptist Nursery School, Atunbi Baptist College, and the Light to the World Bible College. New Church Branch: On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the church expanded its terrestrial reach by launching and laying the foundation for a brand-new church branch in the Pakiotan area of Ogbomoso. Cleric Slams Baptist Convention Over Mission Neglect. Delivering the anniversary sermon, Rev. Dr. Steve Enyi tasked the church on its core spiritual mandates. Drawing his text from Matthew 16:18 and Acts 1:8 on the topic "Foundation and the Power of Church," Rev. Dr. Enyi traced the linguistic roots of the church to the Greek words Ek (Out of) and Kaleo (Called), forming Ekklesia—the called-out ones. He sharply criticized the heavy bureaucracy within the denomination, asking, "Why hierarchy in the church of God?" He reminded the audience how simple, grassroots church planting originally started at Idikan Baptist Church in Ibadan back in 1914. Rev. Dr. Enyi openly condemned the current attitude of the Nigerian Baptist Convention toward missions, underdeveloped churches, and indigenous church planters. Striking a firm note, he warned that the church must never be treated like a commercial institution. "The church is not a financial institution, it is not a family house, and it is not a political party," Dr. Enyi declared. He challenged the leadership to examine whether they allow the Holy Spirit to work freely, emphasizing that the unchanging foundation of the church must remain Jesus Christ, and its sole source of power must be the Holy Spirit. He concluded by encouraging Rev. Gbenga Stephen Ogunniyi to remain steadfast and continue executing the work of God despite past institutional betrayals.

IBADAN — Two suspected kidnappers have been shot dead during a fierce gun battle with security operatives in Ibadan, Oyo State, leading to the successful rescue of a woman and her 12-year-old twin sons. The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin boys, Peter and Paul, were liberated unharmed during a high-stakes tactical raid at around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. The family`s ordeal began on the morning of Wednesday, June 3, 2026, when armed men intercepted Mrs. Adegoke at roughly 7:30 a.m. while she was driving her children to school. Following the incident, the Force Intelligence Department`s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) launched a massive counter-kidnapping operation. Through intensive surveillance and advanced digital tracking, investigators successfully pinpointed the gang’s movements and located the hideout. When tactical teams closed in on the location, the kidnappers opened fire, triggering a violent confrontation.Two suspects were fatally wounded in the shootout.Two rifles were recovered at the scene by tactical operatives.The victims were safely retrieved without injury and are currently receiving medical attention and trauma support. The Inspector-General of Police praised the FID-IRT operatives for their resilience, professionalism, and swift tactical execution. Meanwhile, police units have cordoned off the general area as a manhunt intensifies for remaining gang members. Intelligence reports indicate that several suspects escaped into the surrounding bush with severe gunshot wounds. In an official statement, Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid thanked the public for their cooperation and patience during the delicate operation, reaffirming the police force`s unwavering commitment to neutralizing violent crime networks.

Mrs Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of a former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin children, who were kidnapped during the week have regained their freedom. A senior police source told PUNCH Online in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, that they were rescued this night. THENEWSCREDIT reports that John-Paul, who is a biological sister to the former minister, Adelabu, was kidnapped alongside her 12-year-old twin sons at Elewura-Challenge in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of the state. The abduction was carried out by some armed attackers who were said to have trailed the car conveying the victims from their home before flagging them down at 7.30am at the scene of the incident. It will also be recalled that a chieftain of APC in the state, Wale Oriade, was abducted by armed men in Ibadan, the state capital, in December, 2025. It was gathered that the incident occurred around 7:06 pm at his office located at PJ Square Shopping Complex, beside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited station, Elewure, along Iyana Ajanla, Akala Expressway, New Garage, Ibadan. Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in a blue Micra vehicle with two occupants, a driver and an armed man, who forcibly seized Oriade and whisked him away in the same vehicle. “The nature of the attack and the precision with which it was carried out have caused deep concern within his community,” the eyewitness.

RUKIYAT OGUNWADE, who was at Oriire Local Government, Oyo State, reports on how the abduction of pupils and teachers in Eshiele and Yewata had paralysed the economy of the area. ONE classroom is littered with abandoned shoes, school bags and exercise books left behind by abducted pupils. In another, a blackboard bears a simple four-word sentence written three times in chalk: “I will be great.” It was a lesson in handwriting. A teacher had written the words for the children to copy and recite. They did. They repeated the sentence, traced each letter and perhaps imagined the future it promised. But those four words have become the last lesson on that blackboard. The scene is one of the schools attacked by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State three weeks ago. For almost a month now, the children who echoed that “I will be great” declaration, together with some of their teachers, have been held captive by bandits. The classroom has fallen silent. No pupil has returned to complete the lesson. No teacher has returned to erase the board. A media report on Friday claimed that the terrorists were demanding, among other conditions, the release of arrested Boko Haram commanders in exchange for the children and their teachers. Whether that report is accurate or not, one fact remains undeniable: the pupils are still in captivity while their families wait in anguish and the government struggles for a breakthrough. Three weeks after gunmen struck those schools in Eshiele and Yawata in Oyo State, farms there now lie fallow and markets close early. The weekly market in Yawata town used to be loud. By 7am, women spread yams and baskets of tomatoes on the bare ground. Motorcycles carried sacks of cassava to waiting lorries. Children ran between stalls with naira notes for biscuits. The noise is gone. Stalls close early, lorries from Ibadan drive through without stopping and hunger has settled into homes that once fed on farm produce. Oriire Local Government depends on farming. Cassava, yam, maize and cocoa are what keep families fed and send children to school. Today, most farms are empty. Olanipekun stares at his acres of cassava behind his house in Eshiele. Weeds have taken over. He has not gone there in the last two weeks. “The bush is where they took the children,” he says, voice low. “If I go to farm and they are waiting, who will bury me? Who will feed my wife and my two children at home?” He is not alone, across Eshiele, Yawata and surrounding villages, farmers say they now return home early. Some have not been to their farms at all since the abductions. Without weeding and harvesting, food is rotting in the fields. Markets shut down early In Yawata, the market that once ran till evening now winds down before noon. Shop owners say the reason is not government curfew. It is fear of the road at night. A 40 year old woman who sells rice and beans in a small shop near the motor park. On a good day before the attack, she made about #15000. Now she struggles to make ₩6,000. “People are not buying like before,” she says. “Farmers are not bringing food. Those with money are keeping it, because nobody knows what will happen next.” She has reduced her family meals from three to two per day. The children complain, but there is no money to buy more food. The impact spreads. The vulcanizer has no customers because motorcycles are not moving farm produce. The barber sits idle. With schools closed and children at home, parents who sold uniforms, books and snacks have lost their customers. Hunger replaces fear A resident, Jacob Agnes recounts how the abduction had led to hunger for them, she noted that there have been hunger in Orire since farmers could not go to farm and food sellers in the market fled the community for their safety. “We have been suffering from a serious hunger since the incident, farmers have left their farms and food sellers who are supposed to sell food to us in the market had fled for their safety, now we have nothing to eat, many of us are still here because our relatives are still in the bush with the bandits In a mud house in Eshiele, a mother of five stirs pap on a small firewood stove. The pot is small. “This is for today and tomorrow morning,” she says. Her husband, a farm labourer, has not worked since the schools were attacked. “He says he cannot go to farm. If something happens to him, who will take care of us?” Economy on hold Oriire has no banks, no factories. Its economy runs on three things, farms, markets, and children in school. All three have stopped. Teachers have fled, pupils stay home without students, those who sell food, transport, and school materials have no business. Oriire feeds Oyo and Lagos with cassava and yam, but kidnapping has paralyzed its farms. Supply to Ibadan Market has dropped, prices have doubled, and a local economy built on agriculture is now surviving on fear. The state government and federal governments, deployed security agencies to the area while reiterating their commitment towards the rescue of the abducted victims. While there is a presence of patrol vehicles of the the Nigerian Police Force, men of the Nigerian Army are seen in the community. Residents say they still live in fear despite their presence. On the road back to Ibadan, the bush is quiet. No farmers with hoes. No women with baskets on their heads. Only lonely farms and closed shops The abducted children and teachers are still missing. But the cost of their absence is already being paid in empty market stalls, in smaller pots of food, and in the faces of parents who now count meals instead of profit.