By Abigail David

Fresh protests erupted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday as residents demanded the release of more than 40 pupils and their teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area nearly a month ago.

The victims, including pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on May 15, 2026, and have remained in captivity.

The latest demonstration came as the abducted principal of Community High School, Rachael Alamu, appeared in a viral video from captivity, disputing reports that the kidnappers were demanding the introduction of Sharia law or a ransom for their release.

In the emotional appeal, Alamu urged Nigerians to disregard what she described as false claims and to help publicise the victims’ plight.

According to her, the abductors have neither forced the captives to practise any religion nor demanded money or the implementation of Sharia law.

She alleged that the kidnappers’ primary demand was the release of some of their detained associates and appealed to the government to engage in negotiations to secure the freedom of the hostages.

Alamu also pleaded with authorities and the public not to politicise the situation, saying misleading reports could further endanger the lives of those in captivity.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters blocked major roads in Ogbomoso on Monday, causing traffic disruptions as they called on the Federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.

One of the protesters, Kehinde Dahunsi, questioned why the authorities had been unable to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers after more than three weeks in captivity, while other recent kidnapping victims were rescued within days.

The abduction has sparked widespread outrage, with the Nigerian Union of Teachers directing its members across Oyo State to embark on a strike until the victims are rescued. Protests have also been held in several parts of the country to demand urgent government action.

The prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren and teachers has heightened concerns over insecurity and the safety of educational institutions across the state.

Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship Relationship Group, has lauded China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the remarkable progress recorded on the reconstruction and expansion of the Mararaba-Keffi Road, urging the Federal Government to ensure prompt funding for the project’s completion.

Yakubu, who personally visited the project site to inspect the level of work done, expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of execution. He noted that the 43.65-kilometre dual carriageway, which links the Federal Capital Territory to Nasarawa State, has reached 99.8 percent completion. According to him, the road is not only a critical infrastructure for easing traffic congestion but also a symbol of the growing partnership between Nigeria and China.

Speaking during the visit, Yakubu said: “China Harbour has demonstrated excellence and reliability in this project. Their commitment reflects the strength of our bilateral relationship and the benefits of sustained collaboration between Nigeria and China. This road will serve millions of commuters daily, reduce travel time, and open up new economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.”

The lawmaker emphasized the importance of timely release of outstanding funds under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme, stressing that delays could hinder the final touches required before commissioning. He pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already directed relevant agencies to expedite payments, and urged strict compliance to ensure the contractor delivers on schedule.

Yakubu also commended the Federal Ministry of Works for adopting innovative engineering solutions, including the use of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible carriageways. He explained that such designs would enhance durability, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of the highway.

In addition, he acknowledged the complementary role of Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, whose administration has embarked on the construction of flyovers to ease traffic flow around the Keffi axis. Yakubu described this synergy between federal and state governments, supported by international partners like CHEC, as a model for sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

The project, awarded in June 2023 at a contract sum of ₦73.9 billion, is expected to be commissioned by President Tinubu in July. Remaining works include kerbs, U-drains, and installation of streetlights, which Yakubu said must be completed to ensure safety and functionality.

He concluded by reaffirming his committee’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations, noting that projects like the Mararaba-Keffi Road stand as enduring symbols of friendship, cooperation, and shared progress. “This road is more than concrete and asphalt; it is a testament to what Nigeria and China can achieve together when we combine vision, resources, and determination,” Yakubu added.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi

A cleric and aide to Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Rev. Richard Peters, has dismissed allegations of extra-budgetary spending by the state government, describing the claims as unfounded and unsupported by available public records.

Speaking to journalists in Uyo, Peters said all government expenditures are guided by budgets approved through the legislative process and implemented within established fiscal regulations. He argued that suggestions of spending outside approved channels were misleading, noting that state governments can only incur additional expenditures through supplementary appropriations approved by the legislature.

According to Peters, the Umo Eno administration operates within existing accountability and fiscal responsibility frameworks that monitor revenue, expenditure, and project implementation. He said budget performance reports, expenditure details, and allocation records are publicly available and can be accessed by journalists, analysts, and members of the public. Peters further stated that assessments of government spending should be based on official documents and verifiable data rather than speculation.

He noted that state resources are used to meet statutory obligations, including salary payments, pensions, gratuities, overhead costs, and ongoing development projects.The governor’s aide also cited investments in housing, road infrastructure, and other public projects as examples of expenditures funded through approved government revenues.

While acknowledging the importance of public scrutiny in a democracy, Peters said accountability discussions should be anchored on evidence, audited reports, and published budget documents.He urged critics to rely on verified information when evaluating government finances, adding that informed public debate is essential for transparency and good governance.