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 Israel Adamu

The Plateau State High Court has adjourned proceedings in the suit challenging the June 9 judgment recognising some Hausa residents as indigenes of Jos North Local Government Area until October 29, 2026, following a dispute over the legal representation of the respondents.

Justice C. Donglong fixed the date to rule on a preliminary objection challenging the appearance of a new legal team for the judgment creditors before hearing applications seeking to set aside the judgment.The June 9 judgment was delivered after Jos North Local Government Council did not enter an appearance when the case was heard. The council is now asking the court to vacate the judgment.

At Friday’s proceedings, counsel to the local government and the indigenous ethnic groups, Chief Garba Pwul (SAN), argued that the respondents’ new lawyers had not complied with the Plateau State High Court Rules governing a change of legal representation.

According to Pwul, Order 52 of the court rules requires a formal notice before new counsel can take over a matter. He urged residents to remain calm and allow the judicial process to continue.Counsel to the Berom ethnic group, Edward Pwajok (SAN), said the Berom, Afizere and Anaguta communities had filed separate applications seeking to join the case and have the judgment set aside.

Responding, counsel to the judgment creditors, Yakubu H. (SAN), maintained that the respondents were constitutionally entitled to engage legal practitioners of their choice. Another counsel, Idris Mubakar, said his clients were satisfied to allow the court to determine the matter in accordance with the law.