A fresh leadership crisis is rocking the Oyo State Accord Party following a warning issued to governorship aspirant Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat over alleged violence and misconduct at the party’s screening exercise. In an attempt to quell the tensions, some legislative aspirants have formally apologized to the party`s Executive Committee (ExCos) on his behalf. The party leadership condemned alleged violent acts and the destruction of properties during a screening event at the Grand Serene Hotel in Ibadan. The Accord State Executive Committee (led by the Chairman and Secretary) issued a stern warning to Hamzat, emphasizing party supremacy and condemning the usurpation of committee powers. Following the party`s warning, concerned aspirants—including some vying for the House of Assembly—intervened to beg for forgiveness on behalf of the governorship hopeful to prevent a deeper fracture in the party. Oriyomi Hamzat, a prominent broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo FM, publicly declared his 2027 gubernatorial bid under the Accord Party. This internal rift comes as a critical test for the party as it tries to maintain discipline and order ahead of the 2027 elections.

An undercover Amotekun operation in Ondo State has exposed a suspected kidnapper and robber who was posing as a mentally ill individual to evade detection. Amotekun Corps operatives arrested the suspect after observing suspicious behavior that contradicted his appearance as a madman. Upon searching the suspect, operatives discovered a functioning mobile phone, which investigators believe he used to coordinate criminal activities. Authorities suspect the individual used the disguise to gather intelligence, target victims, and facilitate kidnapping and armed robbery operations. The suspect remains in custody and is undergoing rigorous interrogation to identify his accomplices and operational network.

President Bola Tinubu has emerged as the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 general election after securing nearly 11 million votes in the party’s nationwide primary election. The results, drawn from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, showed President Tinubu in a commanding lead over fellow aspirant Stanley Osifo, cementing his dominance within the ruling party ahead of the next electoral cycle. President Bola Tinubu secured 10.99 million votes to defeat his sole rival, who polled 16,504 votes, in the All Progressives Congress presidential primary election held across 8,809 wards nationwide. The figures were announced during the ongoing national collation of results at the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. Governors of 31 states, alongside other senior party figures serving as state coordinators and collation officers, presented the outcomes of the direct primaries to the Presidential Primary Election Committee chaired by former Senate President Pius Anyim. In the South-West, Tinubu recorded commanding victories in key states considered strongholds of the party. He polled 814,988 votes in Lagos, 322,485 in Ogun, 181,996 in Ondo, 142,754 in Oyo, 100,888 in Osun, and 85,340 votes in Ekiti. Osifo managed only marginal figures in the zone, including 1,186 votes in Lagos and 929 votes in Oyo, while recording zero votes in several states. The North-West also delivered overwhelming support for the President. Kaduna produced one of the highest figures with 618,914 votes for Tinubu, while Kano returned 500,852 votes. Katsina gave him 467,003 votes, Gombe recorded 450,517, Kebbi delivered 292,972, Sokoto returned 301,000, and Zamfara added 321,579 votes. Osifo’s performance remained weak across the region, with only scattered votes recorded in a few states. In the North-Central region, Tinubu maintained a wide lead with 310,990 votes in Kwara, 285,436 in Nasarawa, 241,720 in Plateau, 197,370 in Kogi, 175,487 in Niger, and 374,787 votes in Benue. The Federal Capital Territory also delivered 36,103 votes to the President, while Osifo failed to secure any vote there. The South-East and South-South zones equally produced impressive numbers for Tinubu. He secured 582,960 votes in Imo, 383,382 in Enugu, 207,579 in Ebonyi, 161,005 in Abia, and 43,034 in Anambra. In the South-South, Tinubu polled 407,646 votes in Delta, 389,197 in Akwa Ibom, 280,082 in Rivers, and 227,192 in Bayelsa. Osifo recorded modest figures in a handful of states, including 1,007 votes in Abia and 384 votes in Anambra. At the end of collation, Tinubu emerged with a total of 10,999,967 votes, while Osifo garnered 16,504 votes nationwide.

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three worshippers and the abduction of 15 others following a deadly attack by armed assailants at a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. The PUNCH gathered that the attack occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis of the local government area, throwing surrounding communities into panic. Sources in the area had earlier disclosed that terrorists stormed the community in large numbers, attacking worshippers and residents before fleeing through nearby forest routes. A resident told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal that many villagers spent the night searching for missing relatives and loved ones after the assailants escaped from the area. He said, “People were running in different directions because of the gunshots. Some families could not even find their relatives until this morning.” Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin by the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, described the attack as gruesome and condemnable. The statement read, “The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.” Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police explained that the incident was reported to the authorities by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who was conducting a night vigil with members of his congregation when the gunmen struck. He said, “While conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically.” He confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack, while 15 others were taken away to an unknown destination by the gunmen. According to the police boss, operatives attached to the Ekiti Division were immediately mobilised to the scene after the distress report was received. “Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene,” he said. Adekimi further disclosed that he has ordered a coordinated tactical and intelligence-driven rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted victims and apprehend those behind the attack. “A comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets has been deployed for a coordinated rescue mission,” he noted. The police commissioner described the attack as barbaric, assuring residents that the command remained committed to restoring security in the affected communities. “The command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act,” he promised. The police boss also assured residents of Ekiti Local Government Area and the wider Kwara community that security operatives had intensified bush combing and intelligence gathering across the area. He said, “Vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice,” the statement added. The command urged members of the public to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing rescue and security operations. The latest attack comes amid recurring assaults on worship centres in Kwara South. In November 2025, armed bandits attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 congregants before the victims were later rescued after a security operation. In March 2026, another ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun LGA was attacked, with eleven worshippers abducted before a joint security response led to the rescue of three victims, while the other eight remain in captivity as of press time. Both incidents heightened fear in rural communities and led to intensified security operations across forested areas in Kwara State.

LAGOS — Veteran broadcast journalist Akintayo Asamu Kowinrin has launched a scathing attack on Nigeria’s political elite, branding them "evil and wicked" for celebrating primary election victories while 39 pupils and 7 teachers remain in terrorist captivity. In a blistering critique, Akintayo Asamu condemned politicians for focusing heavily on planning and conducting party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. He contrasted this political maneuvering with the harsh reality on the ground, where heavily armed bandits continue the brutal killing and abduction of innocent citizens. Mass Kidnappings Shatter Oyo State Communities The journalist`s outrage directly follows a coordinated, multi-school raid carried out by terrorists on motorbikes in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The heavily armed assailants stormed multiple institutions simultaneously, including:Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School ,Community High School (Grammar School), Ahoro-Esinele,L.A. Primary School, Esinele. The attackers shot sporadically, killing school staff on the spot and forcing a total of 46 captives—including a 2-year-old toddler—into the dense forest corridors of the Old Oyo National Park. Grim Reality Ahead of International Children’s Day Asamu highlighted the painful irony of political elites holding victory rallies while May 27 (International Children`s Day) approaches, noting that many nursery, primary, and secondary school students will mark the day trapped in terrorist dens. The tragedy was deepened following reports that the terrorists released distressing video clips of the captives. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was brutally executed shortly after he was forced to plead for government intervention on camera. "A Barbaric and Foolish Display" Questioning the humanity of the political leadership, Kowinrin slammed the ongoing election victory parties as peak insensitivity. "You still have the mind to conduct party primaries amidst the kidnapping and killing of innocent Nigerians, thinking and always preparing for the 2027 incoming general elections," Akintayo Asamu stated. "You`re smiling and celebrating your victory in primary election, do you have blood in your vein?" The veteran broadcaster concluded his remarks by warning the political class not to forget the "God of vengeance," a sentiment that echoes deep public fury across Nigeria as security forces continue to battle improvised explosive devices (IEDs) left by the terrorists in their bid to rescue the remaining hostages.

Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Toyin Abraham, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident involving teachers and children abducted in Oyo State. In an Instagram post, Wednesday, Abraham said, “My heart is deeply heavy over the painful killings and abductions happening in Oyo State and across different parts of Nigeria. “As someone with strong ties to Oyo State through family, culture and love for the people, this tragedy feels very personal to me. It is heartbreaking to see innocent lives lost, families thrown into mourning, children living in fear and communities traumatised by violence. “1 mourn especially with the families of the victims, the parents whose children were taken, and everyone affected by the recent attacks in Oriire Local Government and other parts of the state. No Nigerian deserves to live in fear. No child should be afraid to go to school. No family should wake up to news of violence and bloodshed. “I want to sincerely commend the efforts of the security agencies and the Oyo State Government, but it is important to appeal for more urgent and decisive actions to secure the release of those still in captivity and strengthen the protection of lives and communities. “And please, what is the state government doing to prevent future occurrences? Nigeria belongs to all of us, and this is a time for unity, compassion and collective responsibility. We cannot normalise violence. We must continue to speak up, support one another and pray for peace to return to our land. “May God comfort every grieving family, heal our nation and protect every innocent life,” she stated. Recall that a male teacher, who was abducted from Oyo State, was beheaded by his abductors and at least ten people were killed by the assailants in Oyo and Katsina States, respectively.

Videos circulating on social media showing Nigerian security personnel paying homage to controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi have sparked public outrage. The cleric remains heavily scrutinized by human rights activists and the government for advocating amnesty for bandits and claiming that ransom payments are necessary to sustain their operations. The backlash over these interactions stems from several key aspects of his public engagements and security record: Gumi has frequently acted as a mediator, visiting armed bandit camps to advocate for dialogue. While he maintains that negotiation is the only viable path to peace in northwestern Nigeria, critics, including the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, argue that these actions legitimize terrorism and embolden criminal networks. Gumi has publicly disclosed that his visits to these armed groups for negotiations were conducted with the knowledge of or in the presence of Nigerian Police and government officials. This revelation has added fuel to claims that state officials are indirectly engaging with non-state actors. The cleric has severely criticized aggressive military bombardments by the Nigerian Army and foreign intervention, warning that they could escalate the crisis. He has also previously argued that kidnappers rely on ransom money to fund their operations and survive ongoing military crackdowns. His public statements have often prompted swift pushback. The Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services have historically summoned and cautioned the cleric over polarizing statements or accusations targeting military institutions.

An Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Newton Isokpehi, has come under criticism after a now-deleted TikTok video surfaced online showing him threatening Nigerians who record police officers while on duty. In the viral clip cited by THENEWSCREDIT, the officer warned that he would shoot anyone caught filming him during operations. He said, “Any day I’m on duty as a Nigerian police officer, let anyone record me. That person will provide the officer who gave them the order to be filming us, because I will clear everybody down.” His statement sparked outrage among Nigerians and media commentators, with many describing the remarks as dangerous and unlawful. Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, also condemned the comments and called for disciplinary action against the officer, while several Nigerians tagged police authorities demanding his removal. Following the backlash, Isokpehi later apologized for the comments, admitting that citizens have the constitutional right to record police officers carrying out public duties. He explained that his outburst was driven by frustration over distractions faced by armed officers during operations. The ASP also cited personal struggles, including surviving a bullet wound and poor welfare conditions within the force. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that administrative actions are already being taken over the incident.

Dr Charles Omole, the author of ‘From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, has alleged that government and security officials made a huge amount of money from kidnapping under Buhari’s administration. Omole alleged this on Thursday during an interview on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo. He claimed that government and security officials turned the insecurity into a kidnapping industry complex. According to him, “Monetisation of insecurity was rampant under Buhari’s administration. There’s no doubt about that. “Insecurity became more profitable. To make the government pay, the kidnappers had to cause maximum embarrassment to the government. “The kidnappers go to a village and kidnap 100 children, whose parents are peasants. They don’t expect the poor parents to pay, but the government. “This started happening under Buhari’s administration. For example, it was a situation where government and security officials would ask Buhari to pay 500 million naira to get the kidnapped children released, and he would approve it. “Maybe the children were actually released based on 50 or 100 million naira. The remaining 400 million is pocketed by people. “The point is, there were people within the system benefiting from it. So if you were benefiting from it, then the more kidnapping that happens, the better for you. That’s the problem.

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has denied allegations that the Nigerian military is undermining democratic authorities, insisting that the Armed Forces remain committed to constitutional order and civilian rule. The clarification was made by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement issued in Abuja, where he described the claims as false and misleading. Gusau stressed that the military remains professional and loyal to the Constitution, noting that its operations across the country are carried out strictly in line with lawful directives and in support of national security. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain loyal to the Constitution and democratic institutions of the country. Any suggestion that the military is undermining democratic authorities is false, misleading and unfounded,” the statement said. He further urged Nigerians to disregard misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic, reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity while respecting democratic governance.