Protests have erupted in Ibadan over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, as the NUT begins an indefinite strike and President Tinubu orders fresh security measures, including the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards.

Fresh protests broke out in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday as concerned residents, education stakeholders and activists demanded the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The demonstration comes days after teachers in Ogbomoso staged a similar protest over the kidnapping incident, which claimed the life of one teacher and left dozens of pupils and education workers in captivity.

The protesters marched through major parts of Ibadan carrying placards with messages such as, “Every Life Matters, Stop the Kidnappers,” “47 Abducted, Scared and Alone,” and “Stand Up! Speak Out!”

The kidnapping, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident has continued to spark outrage across Oyo State, with parents, teachers and community leaders expressing concerns over the safety of schools and the prolonged captivity of the victims.

Amid growing frustration over the slow progress in securing the victims’ release, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026.

The union said the action became necessary because the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils remains uncertain weeks after the incident.

According to the NUT, the continued captivity of the victims has created fear among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school and heightened anxiety in affected communities.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the union, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the NUT said the industrial action is “aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay.”

Former AGF Abubakar Malami emerges as ADC governorship candidate in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 election amid ongoing controversy over alleged ₦8.7 billion fraud claims.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general election, despite ongoing corruption allegations linked to an alleged ₦8.7 billion fraud case.

Malami, who recently dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress, was affirmed as the party’s consensus candidate during consultations held by ADC stakeholders in Kebbi State.

The development was announced in a statement released on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka.

In the statement, Malami expressed appreciation to party leaders and supporters for backing his ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

I sincerely appreciate the confidence and support shown by leaders, stakeholders, and supporters of the African Democratic Congress in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Malami said.

The former AGF also confirmed that the party agreed on candidates for key elective positions in the state through consensus arrangements.

According to the statement, “ADC Governorship Candidate for Kebbi State — Dr Abubakar Malami SAN,” while retired Major General Aminu Bande emerged as the party’s senatorial candidate for Kebbi Central.

The party also picked retired Deputy Comptroller General Ibrahim Muhammad Mera for Kebbi North Senatorial District and Garba Danjuma Limi for Kebbi South.

Malami said the ADC was focused on delivering “purposeful leadership, good governance, justice, security, and sustainable development for Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole.”

He further stated that “together, with unity and determination, we shall build a more prosperous future for generations to come.”

Abia State Governor Alex Otti flags off ₦1.3 billion Ubakala and Ariaria water scheme rehabilitation projects to improve access to clean water across Abia. Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has officially flagged off the rehabilitation of the Ubakala Water Scheme and Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba, projects valued at ₦1.3 billion, as part of activities marking his administration’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking during the ceremony held at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area on Sunday, Otti said the projects are aimed at improving access to clean and safe water across Abia State, stressing that potable water remains one of the most important needs of the people.

The governor appreciated humanitarian organisation Mercy Corps for supporting the state government on the projects, noting that the intervention would make a major impact on residents once completed.

I want to thank them for this support and their resilience. N1.3 Billion is a lot of money and we cannot take it for granted. As we flag it off, we will assume that we have flagged-off the two projects. So, when we return here again, it will be for commissioning the water scheme,” Otti said.

He explained that both the Ubakala and Ariaria water schemes would be completed and commissioned together, adding that his administration considers water supply a top priority because of its direct connection to public health and economic development.

“Water is so critical to life and a lot of people have passed on because of unsafe water.”

“That is why this government has taken it as a critical project, one of her critical projects, to ensure that we have potable water across the State,” the governor added.

Otti also revealed that the Aba Regional Water Project has already reached about 95 per cent completion, another indication of the government’s push to revive water infrastructure in the commercial city.

The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, said the projects are part of the broader Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme earlier launched by the governor to improve water, sanitation and hygiene services across the state.

According to him, the projects had faced repeated delays in the past due to security and funding issues.

“This is the third time that the flag-off of these projects has been planned.

“The first time, we had a date, the financier was on their way to this place, and along Anambra, they were kidnapped. As you know, this project was initially financed by USAID through the Mercy Corps. The second one was in January last year.