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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Samuel Gbinde, pastor of the Universal Reform Christian Church (URCC), also known as Nongu u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST), and two members of his congregation have been abducted by gunmen in Benue State.

The incident happened on Tuesday at the pastor’s residence located within the NKST Church premises in Andyar, Ishan Classis, Benue State.

The church’s General Secretary, Titus Targba, announced the incident in a statement, saying the victims were taken by armed men from the pastor’s residence.

He appealed to church members and the public to pray for their safe return while efforts continue to secure their freedom.

The church also called on security agencies, the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to move quickly to rescue the three victims and arrest those behind the kidnapping.

It further urged the authorities to step up efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state by taking stronger action to stop criminal groups before they strike instead of responding only after attacks have taken place.

The latest abduction has added to growing worries over insecurity in Benue State, where communities have continued to face repeated attacks despite ongoing security operations and peace efforts.

Only a few days earlier, the chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku, and his associate, Yakubu Isa, were killed after attending a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.

Police later confirmed the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with the killings.

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The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its industrial action across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State, directing members to resume work on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

The decision followed fresh engagements with the Oyo State government and assurances on measures to improve security after the abduction of teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the union, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the State Secretary, Comrade Olukayode Salami, the union said the suspension was approved by its national leadership after reviewing the prevailing security situation and considering appeals by the state government and other stakeholders.

According to the statement, the strike, which was declared in protest against the kidnapping of teachers and students in the Oriire Local Government Area, was suspended in the interest of teachers, learners, and the general public.

“The Nigeria Union of Teachers hereby directs all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to resume official duties on Thursday, July 2, 2026,” the statement read.

The union said the state government had assured it of sustained efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims while strengthening security around schools and vulnerable communities across the state.

It noted that the government had committed to intensified rescue operations for the abducted teachers and learners, the establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access roads, continuous engagement with affected families, psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, and payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.

Other commitments, according to the union, include strengthening the Safe School Initiative through public sensitisation and improved early warning systems, enhancing emergency response mechanisms, dismantling criminal hideouts, upgrading school infrastructure, tackling illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, improving community intelligence gathering, ensuring the speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, improving the welfare of security personnel, and deploying technology to improve school security.

The union commended its members for their discipline and solidarity throughout the industrial action while also appreciating the support of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON).

“We sincerely appreciate all our members, ANCOPSS, AOPSHON, and other stakeholders for their discipline, solidarity, and unwavering support during this period. Your cooperation has once again demonstrated our collective commitment to the welfare and safety of teachers and learners,” the statement added.

While directing teachers to return to the classroom, the union urged members to remain vigilant and report any security threats to the appropriate authorities.

“We urge all teachers to remain vigilant, law-abiding and promptly report any suspicious activities or security threats within their schools and communities to the relevant authorities. Together, we can build safer schools for our children and educators,” it stated.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and security of teachers, saying it would continue to engage the government until all outstanding concerns regarding the safety of teachers and learners are fully addressed.

“Our resolve to safeguard the lives, welfare and dignity of teachers remains unwavering. We shall continue constructive engagement with the government until every concern relating to the security of our members and learners is adequately addressed,” the statement said.

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Nation-building is never the sole responsibility of government; it is a shared endeavor that requires the active participation, patience, and collaboration of citizens. In Nigeria today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration faces the daunting task of steering the country toward economic stability, social cohesion, and sustainable development. While policies and reforms are critical, their success ultimately depends on the willingness of citizens to remain patient and supportive during the often difficult process of implementation.

Transformational leadership demands bold decisions—structural reforms, economic adjustments, and institutional restructuring—that may not yield immediate results. In such circumstances, patience becomes a vital national asset. By resisting the urge for instant gratification and allowing time for reforms to mature, Nigerians can help create an environment where government initiatives are given the opportunity to succeed.

Every nation, regardless of its stage of development, grapples with challenges—economic struggles, political transitions, social tensions, and infrastructural gaps. These realities test the resilience of both leaders and citizens. In moments of strain, the attitude of the people toward their country becomes a powerful determinant of progress. Constructive criticism is healthy and necessary for accountability, but outright condemnation and vitriolic attacks against one’s nation can be deeply counterproductive.

Words shape perception, and perception influences reality. When citizens consistently speak negatively about their country, they reinforce hopelessness and despair. This weakens national morale and discourages foreign investors, partners, and allies who rely on the confidence of citizens as a measure of stability. By contrast, balanced and solution-oriented dialogue strengthens Nigeria’s image and inspires collective action.

Collaboration, however, goes beyond compliance—it requires active engagement. Citizens can contribute meaningfully to nation-building by supporting reforms through constructive dialogue rather than resistance, participating in civic duties such as voting, community service, and public consultations. These actions serve as catalysts for greater national progress. At the same time, holding leaders accountable in a respectful and lawful manner is essential. While harsh and divisive criticism may be insidious, patriotism calls for promoting unity across ethnic, religious, and political divides to strengthen national cohesion.

If citizens embrace patience and collaboration, Tinubu’s government stands a better chance of achieving greatness. Economic reforms can stabilize markets, infrastructural projects can transform communities, and social policies can uplift vulnerable populations. Greatness, in this context, is not merely about political success but about building a Nigeria where prosperity, justice, and peace are attainable for all.

Citizens are not passive observers; they are active participants in governance. By engaging in respectful dialogue, supporting reforms, and holding leaders accountable through lawful means, they contribute to the nation’s growth. Patriotism does not mean blind loyalty—it means believing in the possibility of progress and working toward it.

A nation is like a family; disagreements are inevitable, but condemnation destroys trust. Citizens must rise above destructive criticism and embrace constructive engagement. By doing so, they preserve the dignity of their country and create an atmosphere where greatness can flourish. The path to national transformation lies not in tearing down but in building up—through patience, collaboration, and unwavering belief in Nigeria’s future.

The greatness of any government is measured not only by the vision of its leaders but also by the resilience and cooperation of its people. For Tinubu’s administration, citizen patience and collaborative effort are indispensable. Together, government and citizens can write a new chapter in Nigeria’s history—one defined by progress, unity, and enduring impact.

*Hajia Hansatu Zannah is a distinguished member of the Governing Council of the African Union Agenda 2063 and Ambassador Plenipotentiary. She is also the widow of the late Zannah Umar Mustapha, former Deputy Governor of Borno State.*