The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Aniekan Bassey, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.

Senator Bassey made this known on Friday when the national leadership of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) met with him over the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

He described the safety and welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora as a national priority, stressing that no Nigerian should be subjected to violence, discrimination, or inhumane treatment because of nationality.

Senator Bassey assured the delegation that his Committee would continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions, and international partners to ensure that the rights of Nigerians abroad are protected.

The Senator noted that beyond responding to isolated incidents, there was an urgent need for sustained diplomatic engagement, stronger institutional collaboration, and proactive policies aimed at preventing xenophobic attacks while promoting peaceful coexistence among African nations.

He further emphasized that his Committee remains committed to strengthening legislative oversight on issues affecting Nigerians in the diaspora, improving engagement with diaspora communities, and advocating policies that guarantee their safety, welfare, and meaningful participation in national development.

Senator Bassey commended the Forum for demonstrating patriotism by bringing the concerns of Nigerian youths and citizens abroad to the attention of the National Assembly, describing the visit as a reflection of the growing partnership between lawmakers and youth-led organizations in addressing national challenges.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, expressed concern over the recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, saying the development continued to threaten lives, livelihoods, and the image of Nigeria on the African continent.

He called on the Senate Committee to champion stronger legislative and diplomatic measures that would ensure the protection of Nigerians living overseas while encouraging the Federal Government to deepen bilateral engagement with South African authorities to prevent future occurrences.

The youth leader also pledged the Forum’s readiness to work closely with the Senate Committee in promoting national unity, youth inclusion, and advocacy initiatives that protect the interests of Nigerians both at home and abroad.

The meeting is expected to pave the way for broader consultations with key stakeholders and the formulation of policy recommendations aimed at addressing xenophobia, enhancing consular support, and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to the protection of its citizens wherever they reside.
Media Unit
Office of the Senator
Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District

By Abigail David

The pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom, according to the Presidency.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a post on his verified X account on Friday, stating that security agencies secured the victims’ release.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.

He added that no concessions were made to the abductors to secure the victims’ freedom.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Orire Local Government Area.

According to authorities, 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were taken during the attacks.

The incident claimed the lives of two teachers. Joel Adesiyan was reportedly killed while trying to escape during the attack, while Michael Oyedokun was later confirmed dead in captivity.

The abduction sparked widespread concern across the country and prompted a month-long strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State. Security agencies had maintained that efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing, while the Oyo State Government consistently stated that it would not pay ransom for their release.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi

Thousands of residents have been displaced after heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding across Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, disrupting transport, businesses and schools.

The downpour, which began around 4 a.m. on Thursday, submerged homes, churches and major roads, leaving many communities inaccessible. Residents shared videos showing flooded neighbourhoods and damaged property. Some traders were unable to open their businesses, while many workers and schoolchildren remained stranded as floodwaters covered several streets.

Residents in some affected areas blamed poor drainage and inadequate infrastructure for the recurring flooding, while others pointed to the impact of climate change. Youths reportedly staged a protest along Ikot Ekpene Road, calling for a lasting solution to persistent flooding in the area.

A resident, Anthony Nyong, said flooding has become a recurring problem in parts of Uyo and urged the government to address drainage challenges. In response, the Akwa Ibom State Government directed construction firms to immediately clear drainage channels and evacuate floodwaters from affected communities.

Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umana, said Governor Umo Eno also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Environment, and the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency to assess the damage and implement emergency measures.The government expressed sympathy to affected residents and said immediate interventions had begun while longer-term flood mitigation measures were being considered.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier warned of possible flooding in several states during the current rainy season.