NLC Demands Urgent Action Over Ogbomoso Abduction, Says “No Community Is Safe Anymore”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded urgent security action from the federal government following the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA of Oyo state.

On Friday, gunmen attacked communities within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire, Ogbomoso, abducting several students and seven teachers at the Community High School in Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

The attack left an assistant headmaster, identified as Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist dead.

A video which circulated on Monday showed the bandits beheading Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, in captivity after tying him to a tree.

The video, which has sparked outrage on social media, has raised fresh concerns over the safety of the remaining victims.

Reacting to the development in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, Joe Ajaero, NLC president, described the Ogbomoso attack as another painful reminder of the worsening security situation across communities nationwide.

“The tragedy of Ahoro Esinele and Yawota demonstrates that no community is safe anymore, while innocent children are increasingly becoming targets of violent criminal groups,” the statement reads.

“We have had enough condolences and endless assurances. Nigerians expect decisive action, effective rescue operations and stronger security measures capable of protecting lives and restoring public confidence.”

According to NAN, the NLC president noted that the abduction and Oyedokun’s murder in captivity had deepened public outrage and intensified calls for immediate rescue efforts.

Ajaero said the Ogbomoso abduction must not be treated as another routine tragedy, warning that continued attacks on schools and communities threatened national stability and public trust.

He commended security agencies and local vigilantes for their prompt response, saying available reports indicated they pursued the abductors immediately after the incident occurred in the affected communities.

“Governments at all levels must wake up to the reality that insecurity has become a direct threat to national survival, social stability and citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions,” Ajaero said.

“Our security agencies must undertake sincere soul-searching and adopt stronger strategies because Nigerians can no longer continue living in fear, uncertainty and endless mourning.”

The NLC president expressed concern at reports that security operatives were repelled by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors during the rescue attempts in the area.

He claimed that the abductors had used the kidnapped pupils and teachers as human shields, complicating efforts by security personnel and local volunteers to secure their release safely.

According to him, the development indicates declining national capacity for effective rescue operations and deterrence against criminal groups terrorising communities and targeting innocent citizens across the country presently.

NLC

Ajaero warned that persistent insecurity could push desperate citizens towards relying on criminal groups for protection, describing such a possibility as dangerous for national unity and democratic governance.

He lamented that rural communities previously considered safe are now vulnerable, while residents increasingly fear that major urban centres may eventually experience similar attacks in broad daylight.

The NLC president called for sincere national conversations on insecurity, urging governments at all levels to adopt fresh strategies and stronger tactics against terrorism and organised criminal activities nationwide. Eereporter.com

NPF Disclaims Unauthorized “AFRIPOL 2026” Progamme

The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state categorically that it did not approve, endorse, or authorize the purported “AFRIPOL 2026” programme currently being circulated online.

The Force also condemns the unauthorized use of the name “AFRIPOL”, which is globally recognized as the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL), an official continental policing structure established under the African Union framework, and not a platform for private or unauthorized programmes.

Eereporter.com
Furthermore, the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force did not authorize the use of the image of the Inspector-General of Police, the official logo, or the identity of the Force in connection with the said programme.

AFRIPOL 2026

Members of the public and corporate organizations are advised to disregard the publication and refrain from any form of sponsorship, payment, or engagement relating to the said event.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc (+), mnipr, mni, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja
20th May, 2026. Eereporter.com

Soldier Welfare Remains Central to Army Transformation Agenda – Lt Gen Shaibu

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged commanders across the Nigerian Army to translate the resolutions reached at the 35th COAS First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 into measurable actions aimed at strengthening national security and operational effectiveness.
Lt Gen Shaibu gave the charge on Wednesday in Abuja during his closing remarks at the end of the three-day conference, where senior military officers reviewed ongoing operations, training programmes, institutional reforms, and emerging security challenges confronting the country.
The Army Chief said the conference provided a platform for robust engagements focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more adaptive, combat-ready, technologically driven, and professional force.
According to him, presentations and discussions during the conference covered critical areas including intelligence, operations, logistics, administration, welfare, training, and institutional reforms.
“The briefs presented were not only insightful but also solution-oriented. They reflected a clear understanding of the complexities of the current operational landscape and demonstrated our collective commitment to overcoming both emerging and existing threats confronting our nation,” he said.
Lt Gen Shaibu noted that the changing nature of modern security threats requires the Nigerian Army to remain proactive, innovative, and technologically advanced.
He disclosed that the Army had continued to invest in modern combat capabilities, including the acquisition of additional helicopters, TP-2 drones, and advanced combat technologies to improve surveillance, target acquisition, precision strikes, and casualty evacuation operations.
The COAS also highlighted progress in military training, professional education, and leadership development, stressing that emphasis on professionalism, discipline, competence, and meritocracy would strengthen the institution and improve operational efficiency.
Speaking on troop welfare, the Army Chief reiterated that the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” culture remained central to his leadership philosophy, describing personnel as the institution’s most critical asset.
He said ongoing intervention projects aimed at improving accommodation, working conditions, healthcare services, educational support, and timely payment of entitlements would boost troop morale and combat readiness.
“A well-motivated soldier operating in a conducive environment will undoubtedly demonstrate higher morale, loyalty, and operational effectiveness,” he stated.
Lt Gen Shaibu further emphasised the need for institutional accountability, professional standards, and improved performance assessment mechanisms across formations.
He commended participants for focusing discussions on practical solutions and innovation rather than merely highlighting challenges.
“The true value of this conference will not merely lie in the quality of presentations delivered here, but in the extent to which the lessons learned and decisions reached are effectively implemented,” he added.
The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.
He also thanked the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, security agencies, Principal Staff Officers, and commanders for their collaboration in enhancing national security.
Lt Gen Shaibu equally commended the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and members of the media for their contributions to the success of the conference and support for the Nigerian Army through objective reporting.
He urged officers and soldiers to remain committed to professionalism, discipline, leadership, and selfless service to the nation.