News
UN Calls for Release of Abducted Pupils, Teachers in Oyo and Borno
By Abigail David
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate and safe release of pupils and teachers abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states.
Fall made the appeal following a meeting in Abuja with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, led by Dr. Samuel Umanah, amid growing concerns over attacks on educational institutions and the safety of schoolchildren.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN official expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation affecting schools and learning communities across Nigeria.
The meeting focused on security challenges facing educational institutions, while both parties expressed solidarity with affected families, school authorities and communities.
In Oyo State, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, abducting more than 40 pupils, including toddlers, alongside seven teachers. The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School.
Reports indicated that one teacher was killed during the attack, while another was later murdered in captivity.
A similar incident occurred in Mussa, Borno State, where armed men reportedly attacked three schools and abducted more than 50 children, most of them between the ages of two and five. The affected institutions included Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School and SUBEB Secondary School.
Describing the attacks as unacceptable, Fall stressed that schools should remain safe environments for learning.
“The UN Resident Coordinator is deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups. Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” he said.
He noted that the incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to protect children, teachers and educational facilities from violence and insecurity.
While acknowledging efforts by government authorities and security agencies, Fall urged them to intensify operations aimed at securing the safe return of all abducted victims and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.
He also reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments across Nigeria.
According to him, protecting children’s right to education remains essential, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities where schools increasingly face security threats.
Fall further advocated the full implementation of Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, stronger emergency response systems and improved data-driven strategies to protect schools and at-risk children nationwide.
By Anne Azuka
The Delta State Government has said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will focus on governance and his administration’s achievements rather than engage in political attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, stated this while speaking with journalists in Asaba about recent comments attributed to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Delta Central senatorial candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
Aniagwu said Oborevwori would continue implementing the administration’s MORE Agenda and seek a second term based on his record in office. “Governor Oborevwori will focus on delivering on his promises with good governance, making life much more comfortable for our people rather than joining anybody in the mud,” he said.
The commissioner said the government was confident that residents would assess the governor based on projects, policies and their impact across the state. He also rejected allegations of a plot to assassinate Omo-Agege, saying the claim should not distract from issues of governance and development.
Aniagwu noted that Oborevwori and Omo-Agege would be contesting different positions in 2027, with the governor seeking re-election and Omo-Agege contesting a senatorial seat. The commissioner said the administration would remain focused on development and delivering on its promises rather than allowing political disagreements to distract it from governance.
He expressed confidence that voters would ultimately assess the administration’s performance and decide whether to grant Oborevwori a second term. “Let the people look at what we have done in the last three years, let them look at what we are doing and let them decide,” Aniagwu said.
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Eid-ul-Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad.The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo extended greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and the diaspora and urged Nigerians to reflect on the values associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, particularly compassion, humility and service to humanity. The minister said these values could promote national unity, understanding and social harmony, urging citizens to use the occasion to strengthen peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
He also called on Nigerians to pray for the continued peace, stability and development of the country, stressing that building a united and prosperous Nigeria requires collective responsibility. Tunji-Ojo wished Muslim faithful a peaceful celebration and urged them to observe the occasion with moderation and consideration for others.The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across the country.
From Abel Zwanke, Lafia
The campaign organisation of former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu has rejected claims that he lacks a political platform to contest the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election.The organisation was responding to comments attributed to the Nasarawa State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Aliyu Bello.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Otaru Douglas, the campaign organisation said Adamu’s decision to leave the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was a strategic move to pursue his governorship ambition on another platform. “Adamu’s defection from the APC, following the charade called a primary election, was a strategic move to a credible and people-oriented platform — the Social Democratic Party (SDP),” the statement said.
The organisation expressed confidence that Adamu would contest the 2027 election and win with the support of Nasarawa voters. It also criticised the APC governorship primary conducted under Bello’s leadership, alleging that the process lacked transparency, fairness and internal democracy.
The allegation could not be independently verified from the statement.The campaign organisation said Adamu’s campaign would focus on transparent, secure and development-oriented governance. It urged Bello to focus on his party’s affairs and refrain from what it described as personal attacks against the former police chief.The organisation added that further statements concerning Adamu would be met with what it described as a “firm, proportionate, and decisive political response.”
Oborevwori Will Focus on Governance, Not Political Attacks, Says Aniagwu
FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Mawlid
2027: Adamu Campaign Organisation Rejects Claim He Lacks Platform in Nasarawa
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