By Abigail David

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that bandits who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the victims if security forces moved closer to their hideout.

Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, scheduled to air on Friday, Musa said the kidnappers were using the children as bargaining chips to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.

According to the minister, the bandits warned that any attempt by troops to rescue the captives through force would result in the execution of all the abducted children.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Esinle, located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Musa also called for tougher punishment for bandits and kidnappers, expressing support for the death penalty as a deterrent against rising insecurity.

He argued that weak laws have encouraged criminal activities, stressing that offenders must face severe consequences to discourage others from engaging in kidnapping and banditry.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi State Police Command says it has concluded its investigation into the death of Mariam Usman, a staff member of Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School in Ugbamaka, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and arrested three suspects who will be charged in court.

Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said in a statement issued in Lokoja on Wednesday that detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) carried out the investigation following the incident.

According to the police, Usman died on June 25, 2026, after she was allegedly assaulted in separate incidents linked to disciplinary action she had taken against a pupil.The command alleged that Abdullahi Isiaka assaulted the teacher at her residence on June 17 over the disciplinary measures involving his 11-year-old son.

Police further alleged that Ramatu Isiaka Eleojo assaulted the victim later that day while she was on her way to a mosque, and that Ojonojima Mary allegedly assaulted her again at the school on June 18. Police said the victim was treated at Grace Clinic in Ugbamaka before being referred to Eleojo Clinic in Okpo, where she later died.

The command said its investigation established what it described as a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide against the three suspects, who are expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi commended the investigators and urged residents to resolve disputes through lawful means while supporting police efforts with timely information.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has urged Northern leaders to continue working with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying the Federal Government has made significant investments in infrastructure, security and economic development across the region.

Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the Northern States Governors’ Forum meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, Sani said federal interventions in transportation, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy and national security are laying the foundation for long-term growth.

The governor said Nigeria has recorded measurable progress through collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments, while acknowledging that significant challenges remain.

According to Sani, Northern states appreciate the Federal Government’s support and remain committed to partnering with the administration to promote security, prosperity and national unity.

The governor also renewed his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as an urgent step towards addressing insecurity. He argued that a decentralised policing system would strengthen security operations by providing more personnel to tackle banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

Sani commended President Tinubu for supporting the proposal and praised the National Assembly for advancing legislation on state police. He expressed confidence that the Senate and House of Representatives would conclude work on the bill, adding that the creation of state police has the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve public safety.