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.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ordered the restriction of motorcycle operation between 10:30 pm and 5:30 am to curb insecurity in the state. The governor issued an Executive Order on the restriction, on Friday, stating that the state government would not relent until the kidnapped teachers and school children return home safely. According to him, every day the victims remain in captivity is a painful day for their families and the entire state. He assured Oyo residents that efforts were ongoing around the clock, stressing that the safe return of those abducted remains a tough conversation for his administration. Makinde added that the victims have not been forgotten and they have not been abandoned. “We may not be able to disclose every step being taken because of the sensitive nature of the operations involved, but I ask our people not to mistake our silence for inaction. A great deal of work is being done behind the scenes,” he said.

IBADAN – Fear and anxiety have gripped residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following the audacious daylight abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of the immediate past Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul. The incident, which occurred amidst a worsening wave of insecurity in the state, prompted an immediate high-profile solidarity visit from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to the Adelabu family home to assure them of state support. The 43-year-old mother was driving her children to school around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. An unmarked, ash-colored Toyota Camry intercepted her vehicle near the Bolumole, Elewura-Challenge area of Ibadan. Armed gunmen leapt out of the vehicle, shooting sporadically into the air to terrorise bystanders. They forcefully dragged Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons out of their car and whisked them away toward the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. A statement released by Chief Adelabu`s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, confirmed the family`s deep distress but expressed hope in ongoing law enforcement efforts. In a swift political and humanitarian gesture, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde paid a solidarity visit to Chief Adebayo Adelabu—who recently resigned from President Bola Tinubu`s cabinet to pursue his gubernatorial ambitions under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Makinde condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on all citizens of Oyo State. He assured the family that the state`s security apparatus would leave no stone unturned until the mother and her children safely reunite with their loved ones. The Oyo State Police Command has deployed major resources to track down the perpetrators. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed that the victim’s abandoned vehicle has been recovered from the scene."The Commissioner of Police immediately directed tactical units and the Divisional Police Officer of the Challenge Division to launch intensive investigations," Ayanlade stated, appealing to the public to provide credible information. The incident has intensified local panic, coming just weeks after suspected terrorists raided three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, abducting over 40 pupils and teachers. The Oyo State chapter of the APC, through its Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, strongly condemned the rise in local kidnappings and urged Governor Makinde to collaborate more aggressively with federal security units to secure the state. Meanwhile, the family has urged the public to stay calm and refrain from spreading unverified rumors that could jeopardize the ongoing rescue operations.

Peter Obi visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, to address European lawmakers on the future of EU-Africa relations. He delivered a critical message regarding the need for a fundamental shift in how the international community engages with Nigeria and the broader African continent. Obi urged the EU to look beyond traditional narratives of poverty and view Africa as the last frontier for global development. He highlighted that Nigeria, with its vast youthful population and immense natural resources, represents a massive market that could be mutually beneficial to Europe if fully developed. Emphasizing that Africa does not merely need international aid or loans, Obi argued that the continent`s most pressing need is competent, compassionate, and transformative leadership. He stressed that tackling systemic corruption and political rascality is essential for unlocking the continent`s potential. Obi called on European lawmakers to actively support democratic governance in Nigeria. He advocated for stronger international cooperation in key sectors, including security, power generation, education, and healthcare. He outlined the direct correlation between Africa`s stability and Europe`s security. By investing in the Nigerian youth and fostering a developing environment, both regions stand to gain economically and socially.

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC, Sam Amadi, has countered government officials’ warning against the politicisation of the nation’s security crisis. Amadi, who was reacting to the recent surge in attacks and abductions by terrorists across the country, said the situation is a “product of political leadership.” In a post on his official Facebook page, Amadi said the President Tinubu-led government should be held accountable for students languishing in the forests. According to the socio-political commentator, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, also politicised insecurity in 2014 when it was fighting to take over power. He said, “As our children languish in kidnapper’s forest, government people are telling us not to ‘politicize’ insecurity. Do not listen to them. “Politicize insecurity. This current insecurity ravaging Nigeria is a product of political leadership. We need to call out the failure of President Tinubu in the current insecurity. “That is what he did in 2027. That is the right thing to do”.

IBADAN — Armed gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. The attackers also kidnapped her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. while Mrs. John-Paul was driving her children to school in the Oyo State capital. In an official statement issued Wednesday afternoon, the Adelabu family confirmed that all relevant law enforcement agencies had been notified and have launched preliminary investigations. "Security operatives have swung into action," said Comrade Femi Awogboro, media aide to Chief Adelabu. "Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime." Mrs. John-Paul, 43, is a high-profile professional who recently took voluntary retirement after a meritorious career at both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and First Bank Pension Custodian. Family sources revealed she had recently relocated to Ibadan with her children. She was making final arrangements to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who lives in the United States of America. The family described Chief Adelabu and the entire household as "deeply distressed" but expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to bring their loved ones home safely. The statement strictly appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified rumors. "The family respectfully appeals to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardize ongoing security operations," Awogboro stated. The family has urged anyone with actionable intelligence to report it immediately to the police, promising to issue updates as the situation develops.

IBADAN – The prevailing kidnapping crisis rocking Ogbomosoland has forced the family of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, to indefinitely suspend all public celebrations originally planned to mark his 76th posthumous birthday today, June 3, 2026. The decision was made public as family members, political associates, and beneficiaries of the late Pacesetter State leader took to various platforms to pen emotional tributes, shifting the focus of the anniversary from celebration to prayers for security, peace, and harmony in the ancient town. In a deeply moving tribute, his daughter, Olamide Alao-Akala, lamented the current state of unrest in their hometown, stating that tranquility would have been her father’s ultimate birthday wish. "I will always miss you. Happy 76th with Baba God," she wrote. "I`m sure the only birthday gift you would have wanted today is PEACE and HARMONY in Ogbomoso. God help us at a time like this. Amen." Similarly, his son and federal lawmaker, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, issued a statement on behalf of the family, honoring the late patriarch and Bobagunwa of Ogbomoso Land for his exemplary public service and enduring heritage. He expressed that while the family deeply misses the late governor`s fatherly counsel, charismatic presence, and infectious smile, they find profound solace in the countless lives he touched. Adding to the tributes, a prominent political associate and former loyalist, Hon. Bello Razaq Atanda, described the late "De-Great Tiger" as an irreplaceable grassroots champion who understood the true language of the populace. Atanda recalled that Alao-Akala’s historic administration was deeply anchored on aggressive infrastructure development, educational advancement, agriculture, and direct economic empowerment. Though the scheduled anniversary lectures and social gatherings have been halted due to the security situation in Ogbomoso, stakeholders across Oyo State have noted that the voluntary suspension of the event further mirrors Alao-Akala`s lifelong philosophy—always prioritizing the safety, peace, and well-being of his people above personal or political celebration.

A severe domestic energy crisis is forcing millions of households across Nigeria to abandon clean energy alternatives and revert to primitive cooking fuels. Driven by an unprecedented surge in the prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, commonly known as cooking gas, and kerosene, many families in both rural and urban areas are returning to firewood for cooking. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas cylinder has surged to an average of N22,382.20. Economy&Lifestyle discovered that many households in rural and semi urban areas trying to improve their lifestyle by using cooking gas for cooking have abandoned their gas cylinder because the retail prices for LPG has risen into a disruptive band of N2,000 per kilogram. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas cylinder has surged to an average of N22,382.20. Economy&Lifestyle discovered that many households in rural and semi urban areas trying to improve their lifestyle by using cooking gas for cooking have abandoned their gas cylinder because the retail prices for LPG has risen into a disruptive band of N2,000 per kilogram. In far-northern states and border communities, a single kilogram of gas sales as high as N3,000. Simultaneously, household kerosene has effectively become a luxury item. According to the latest NBS Household Kerosene Price Watch, the average retail price of kerosene has approached a staggering N4,000 per litre in states like Sokoto, Kebbi, and Lagos. This represents an astronomical leap from the N50 to N100 per litre rates recorded before the full removal of subsidies. The realities of kitchen The rapid financial squeeze has forced a sharp shift in consumer behavior. Mrs. Funmilayo Momoh, a fufu (half baked cassava flour) seller, expressed her deep frustration over the current economic realities. “Refilling my gas cylinder used to be a routine household chore, but at N2,000 per kilogram, it is completely unsustainable. “Meals that require a long time to cook, like beans or local delicacies, are disappearing from our kitchen. ” We now rely on a makeshift firewood stove outside just to boil water and make basic food.” Even small micro-enterprises are feeling the heat. Roadside food vendors, locally known as Mama Put, who long relied on the speed and cleanliness of LPG, are moving their operations back to woodpiles to protect their razor-thin profit margins. Mr. Felix Asuquo, a food seller said: “I can hardly cook with gas now. “How much do I make from the food I sell? “Before, I spent N10,000 on cooking gas for two weeks but now such an amount hardly serves me for three days. “This is a complete tragedy. “We are supposed to be moving forward as a country, but instead, we are going back to the 1960s. “How can a country with so much natural gas watch its citizens cook with firewood? “The smoke is killing people slowly, and our forests are disappearing. “The government needs to step in and fix the exchange rate or subsidize gas locally.” On her part, Mrs. Rukayat Saliu, a cleaner said: “At N2,000 per kg, who can blame anyone for using firewood? “My monthly salary cannot even refill a 12.5kg cylinder twice anymore. ” If you add the cost of food items which are also out of reach, you will see that Nigerians are just surviving by a miracle. “May God help us in this country. “I use firewood and even the firewood is now expensive. “Four pieces of firewood is N1,000 but it is fairer compared to the price of cooking gas.” Marketers attribute the persistent price hikes to structural gaps within the energy value chain. Despite Nigeria possessing Africa’s largest natural gas reserves, a lack of local processing infrastructure forces the country to import a large percentage of its domestic LPG supply. This exposes local retail markets to international price shocks, high vessel charter costs, and foreign exchange volatility. Wholesale terminal prices have climbed dramatically, with marketers now paying up to N26.2 million for a single 20-metric-tonne truck of gas. With this trend millions of citizens returning to biomass fuels threatens to reverse decades of progress in clean cooking initiatives. Increased logging to satisfy the rising urban demand for firewood accelerates deforestation, drives soil erosion, and destroys natural wildlife habitats. Continuous exposure to thick firewood smoke will trigger a sharp rise in chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and optical complications among women and children.

Three Nigerian women trafficked to Mali under the guise of securing legitimate jobs have recounted harrowing experiences of sexual exploitation, torture and abuse, after returning home through the intervention of the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation, GAHTO. The victims, identified as Becky, 35, Blessing, 24, and Miracle Yakubu, 23, narrated how they were deceived by traffickers who promised them decent jobs in Lagos, only to force them into prostitution, after transporting them across several borders into Mali. The survivors, who spoke in Lagos, shortly after their rescue, said they endured weeks of violence, threats and inhumane treatment in the hands of traffickers who preyed on their vulnerability and economic hardship. For Becky, a widowed mother of three from Jos, Plateau State, the journey began with what she believed was an opportunity to improve the lives of her children. “The journey was not sweet,” she said tearfully. "They told us we were coming to Lagos to work. But when we reached Lagos, the driver suddenly said we were going to Cotonou. Before we knew it, we found ourselves there. If we refused to work, we faced serious attacks.” According to her, a man from her community introduced her to a woman who claimed she would secure a shop job for her in Lagos. “He said there were jobs for us in Lagos. They connected me to one madam who promised I would work in her shop. I believed her because I wanted a better life for my children,” she said. Becky said despite warnings from her sister, she embarked on the trip out of desperation after the death of her husband. “My sister warned me not to go, but I refused because I wanted to provide for my children,” she added. However, upon arrival in Mali, she discovered the true nature of the work. “I didn’t know the job was prostitution disguised as legitimate work. I didn’t know it meant sleeping with different men. Anytime I refused, they beat me,” she said while displaying injuries sustained during repeated assaults. She described her stay in Mali as “hell,” alleging that the traffickers constantly used violence and intimidation to prevent victims from escaping. Similarly, Blessing, a 24-year-old mother of two, said poverty pushed her into accepting the offer. “I travelled on April 26 from Jos because the woman who sponsored our trip told me she had jobs for me. “I left my children and my aged father at home because I wanted to earn a living. My father approved the journey because he believed it was genuine employment. He never knew it was prostitution.” Miracle, the youngest among the victims, said she joined the trip after hearing about the supposed Lagos job opportunity from Blessing. “It was Blessing who told me about the work in Lagos, so I followed her,” she said. According to Miracle, suspicion arose when the group arrived in Lagos and were suddenly informed they would continue the journey to Cotonou before eventually ending up in Mali. “When we arrived, my madam told us to start working. I asked her what kind of work because they told me I would work in a shop. She said it was prostitution,” she recounted. “We tried to flee, but I was caught. They stabbed me with a broken bottle and beat me mercilessly. They accused me of trying to run away with the money they spent bringing me to Mali,” she said. According to her, the traffickers later became frightened after her photograph was circulated publicly by concerned persons and authorities searching for her. “When my madam saw that authorities were looking for me, she became scared and ordered me to return to Nigeria,” she added. Before the incident, Miracle said she worked at an orthopaedic hospital and never imagined she could become a victim of human trafficking. “Prostitution is not a job,” she said firmly. “I want young girls to be careful about strangers promising jobs outside the country. Stay in your hometown and look for something genuine.” Reacting to the development, President of GAHTO, Mr. Prosper, raised concerns over increasing cases of labour exploitation involving Nigerians trafficked to Egypt. According to him, some traffickers and sponsors confiscate the international passports of victims upon arrival and subject them to exploitative labour for periods ranging from 18 to 24 months without payment. “We will forward the names of those involved to the appropriate security agencies, so they can be placed on watchlists and arrested,” he stated. He further disclosed that members of the Yoruba community had repeatedly complained about agents and sponsors who allegedly seize the passports of trafficked Nigerians and subject them to harsh and inhumane conditions in Egypt. For Becky, Blessing and Miracle, survival has become a second chance at life. But even as they attempt to rebuild their lives, the scars of betrayal, violence and exploitation remain fresh reminders of the dangers hidden behind promises of greener pastures abroad.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged leaders to prioritize the safety of Nigerians over political party interests. CAN also told Nigerian leaders to ensure the release of kidnapped school children and teachers across the country. The Christian association made the call in a communique issued after the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit, 2026, in Abuja. The communique was presented by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh. CAN urged security forces to work hard to rescue everyone until all the victims are freed. Parts of the communique read: “CAN is demanding the immediate and complete release of all schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens who are currently being held captive by criminal groups throughout the country and calls on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until every victim regains freedom. “CAN is asking political leaders, political parties, and people in public positions to put the safety of Nigerians first instead of focusing on political conflicts, heated words, and early election activities. “They should focus the country’s efforts on bringing back peace, keeping citizens safe, and rebuilding trust in the government.”