News
Governor Makinde: Seven Teachers Abducted In Ogbomoso School Attack, One K1lled In Captivity
Governor Makinde: Seven Teachers Abducted In Ogbomoso School Attack, One K1lled In Captivity
Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says one of the teachers abducted during the recent terrorist attack on schools in Oriire LGA of the state, has been killed in captivity.
Speaking on Sunday during a press briefing on the incident, Makinde described the situation as “difficult and challenging”, saying the state government is intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
On Friday, gunmen riding motorcycles invaded communities within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire, Ogbomoso, and abducted students and staff members of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
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The attack left an assistant headmaster, identified as Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist dead.
According to Makinde, a video received by the state government confirmed the killing of one of the abductees identified as a mathematics teacher.
“What we know is that seven teachers in all were abducted and unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, the maths teacher, was killed by the terrorists this morning,” Makinde said.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of schoolchildren abducted.
In the aftermath of the incident, videos recorded from captivity began circulating on social media, showing abducted teachers pleading with the government and Nigerians for urgent intervention.
One of the viral videos featured Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, appealing to the government to help secure the release of the victims before they are killed.
Makinde detailed that six persons had been arrested within the affected locality over alleged links to the attackers, and that another three “persons of interest” were also arrested in connection with the attack.
“The information available from the commissioner of police is that six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them were believed to perhaps be informants to people running logistics for the terrorists,” he said.
SECURITY OPERATIVES INJURED IN IED AMBUSH
Following the attack, the Oyo police command announced the commencement of an intensive manhunt and rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.
Makinde said personnel of the police, military, the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun, and local hunters were mobilised immediately to pursue the attackers.
The governor said, however, some Amotekun operatives sustained injuries after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the terrorists during the operation.
“After the incident, Amotekun, the police, military and hunters were mobilised to go after the terrorists and it was along that line that they ran into IEDs and some of the Amotekun operatives were wounded,” he said.
Sources told TheCable that the terrorists had initially opened fire on the security operatives who were approaching the Old Oyo national park on motorcycles, causing them to flee.
“When the shooting subsided, the operatives decided to go for their motorbikes. Unfortunately, a dynamite exploded against one Amotekun corps member and he was wounded. He has been taken to the hospital for medical attention,” a source said.
“Apart from air raid, the Old Oyo National Park Area can’t be easily accessed through infantry. It’s a long distance from the Oowe River which forms a natural landmark boundary for the park. Motorcycles would have to be used for the journey, but the noise of the approaching motorcycles alerted the terrorists.”
TERRORISTS FLEEING NORTH-EAST TO SOUTH
Makinde linked the attack to increasing pressure being mounted on terrorist groups in the north-east, warning that fleeing armed groups are moving into other parts of the country, including the south-west.
“With the pressure on the terrorists in the north-east theatre, they will keep moving southwards. Today, the governor of Kwara state has spoken to me. But the problem we have is that when you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure,” he said.
The governor harped on the need for sustained government and security presence in vulnerable communities, warning that temporary military operations without long-term security measures could leave residents exposed to future attacks.
Governor Makinde
“If all we can do is clearance operations for a week or two and leave that place, the terrorists will come back and the people will become vulnerable,” he said.
He assured residents that the state government would be deploying military and non-military strategies to secure the release of the abducted victims and tackle the growing security threat.
“We have decided that we will adopt not just the kinetic approach. We have not taken this lightly,” he added.
Makinde also appealed for calm and patience from residents, acknowledging the complexity of the operation.
“I want to appeal to everyone that we are doing everything within our power to ensure that this would be resolved quickly and we bring our children back safely, but it is a very difficult and challenging situation so there may not be quick fixes,” he added.
News
Tinubu Government Unveils $1 Billion HOPE-SP Initiative, Shifts Humanitarian Support from Palliatives to Sustainable Pathways
Tinubu Government Unveils $1 Billion HOPE-SP Initiative, Shifts Humanitarian Support from Palliatives to Sustainable Pathways
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has officially unveiled and launched the $1 billion Household Prosperity and Economic Social Protection Project (HOPE-SP), themed “From Palliatives to Pathways,” alongside key reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social protection and humanitarian response architecture.
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The Special Guest of Honour, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, while unveiling the initiatives on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, commended the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro and his team for his commitment to transforming humanitarian interventions from temporary assistance into sustainable pathways to recovery, empowerment and self-reliance.
She noted that, the initiatives are designed to improve the identification, targeting and support of vulnerable households, strengthen coordination across humanitarian and poverty-reduction programmes, provide shock-responsive assistance, and promote accountability and measurable outcomes.
In his presentation, the Honourable Minister, Dr. Doro, said, the launch represents a strategic shift *“from palliatives to pathways”,* placing vulnerable households, rather than individual programmes, at the centre of government interventions.
Dr. Doro explained that, the reform seeks to address fragmentation, duplication and multiple uncoordinated registries by establishing a unified national architecture linking identification, needs assessment, targeted intervention, protection, empowerment, poverty graduation and sustainable growth.
The Minister stated that, the One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS) will serve as a major system reform, bringing humanitarian response, social protection and poverty reduction interventions into a coordinated national framework supported by unified registries, digital delivery systems, improved financing, stronger institutions, accountability and real-time intelligence.
Other initiatives unveiled included the Emergency Shock-Responsive Cash Transfer, the FMHAPR Ministerial Blueprint, and the Humanitarian First Magazine, which will document the experiences and impact of government interventions on beneficiaries.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, said, the initiatives would strengthen coordination and accountability stressing that, the ultimate measure of success would be the tangible difference made in the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
First Lady
Goodwill messages were delivered by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum on behalf of other Governors and sub-national governments, the Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar A. Bagudu, the former Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu,
the European Union, World Bank, other international development partners all commended the federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection and Humanitarian systems.
The event featured a cultural performance by the Irigwe New Wave Dance Troupe from Plateau State.
Janet McDickson Noah
Director, Information & Public Relations
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Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Others Grace Shekina and Shope’s Wedding in Lagos
It was a celebration of love, family, friendship and distinguished personalities in Lagos on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as Shekina Chidinma Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde were joined in holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
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Shekina, a niece of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, DSc, OFR, while Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.
The wedding brought together governors, senior government officials, lawmakers, business leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, family members and friends from across the country to celebrate the young couple.
The Honourable Minister of Works, who also serves as the Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure, Mobilization and Sensitization of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, was present at the ceremony to celebrate with his niece and the families of the newlyweds and was joined by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, CON; and Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, who chaired the occasion.
In his opening remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Governor Alex Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment and urged the newlyweds to embrace patience, understanding and tolerance as they begin their journey together.
With humour, the Abia State Governor stressed the permanence of marriage, telling the couple that they should approach their union with a strong commitment to making it work.
“I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble,” he said.
In separate remarks, the parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude and joy at witnessing the marriage of their children.
They praised Shekina and Shope for distinguishing themselves through their formative years and into adulthood, describing them as outstanding young people who had continued to make their families proud.
They prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in their marriage and wished them a fulfilling life together.
The Umahi family also formally welcomed the couple with the presentation of family gifts.
On behalf of the Umahi family, the Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, presented the gifts to the newlyweds.
The ceremony attracted a gathering of political leaders, statesmen and captains of industry.
Other governors present at the event included the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Her Excellency Patricia Obila; Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo; Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; and Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.
Among the captains of industry, statesmen and
other distinguished personalities at the occasion were Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara; Prof. Patrick Utomi; Mr. Adebiyi Olalekan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lorelei Construction Limited; Engr. Solomon Dacree; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Chairman of Orient Global Limited; Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Chairman of Rock Results Group; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), among others.
The Ministry of Works was also represented at the ceremony, with the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo; Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works; and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways, Bridges and Designs, among others, joining in the celebration.
Umahi, Sanwo-Olu
Other members of the Umahi family at the ceremony included HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council; Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, of Roy and Associates; and Chief Austine Umahi (Anyanwu Igbo), Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board.
The wedding provided a memorable gathering of the two families, their friends and well-wishers, with guests celebrating the union and offering prayers and goodwill for a happy, peaceful and enduring marriage.
Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
Sunday 23, 2026
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Economy
Nigeria’s Diversity is Our Strengthen, Unity Must Remain Our Greates Asset, Says Minister Mohammed Idris
Nigeria’s Diversity is Our Strengthen, Unity Must Remain Our Greates Asset, Says Minister Mohammed Idris
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength, urging citizens to promote unity and mutual understanding, noting that what binds Nigerians together is far greater than what divides them.
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Idris stated this on Friday, August 14, 2026, when he attended the wake-keep of the late Ukandi Placidus Ugar Ogar in Obudu, Cross River State, alongside family members, friends, and dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade; Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar; and the Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang.
The late Ukandi Placidus Ugar Ogar, who died at the age of 76, was an elder brother to Senator Ayade and Dr. Frank Ayade.
The Minister said the gathering reflected the richness of Nigeria’s diversity and the ability of citizens from different backgrounds to unite in solidarity.
“What I have seen today is the diversity of Nigeria and how it can be further harnessed to promote unity in this country. Nigerians from all walks of life are Nigerians first. Therefore, we must celebrate them wherever they are,” he said.
While expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Idris noted that the occasion also provided an opportunity to honour a life that fostered unity among people.
“It is a moment of sorrow that he has passed on, but also a moment of gratitude that he lived a worthy life, one that helped bring people together,” the Minister said.
He called on Nigerians to continue to promote unity and shared values, while leveraging the country’s diverse cultures and traditions as assets for national development.
“We must strengthen our unity, uphold our shared values, and also see our diversity as a resource that can contribute meaningfully to the growth of our economy,” he said.
Mohammed Idris
Idris reaffirmed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its people and their collective ability to rise above differences in pursuit of the common good.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Saturday, August 15, 2026
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