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The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo over the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Osun NUT called for urgent measures to improve security in schools across the country.

The teachers marched through major streets carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Government Should Act Now”, “Free Our Teachers and Students Now” and “Our Teachers and Students Must Be Free Now”, while condemning the incident and demanding the safe return of the victims.

The demonstration drew participation from teachers across the state, who expressed concern over what they described as growing threats to educational institutions and the safety of both staff and learners.

Addressing the protesters, Osun NUT Chairman, Isaac Babalola, described the abduction as unfortunate and warned that such attacks posed a serious threat to education and the welfare of teachers and students nationwide.

He said, “Schools must remain safe environments for teaching and learning. Continued attacks on educational institutions could discourage parents from sending their children to school.”

Babalola urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted teachers and students and ensure that those responsible for the attack were brought to justice.

According to him, “The recurring cases of attacks on schools in different parts of the country require urgent and coordinated action from relevant authorities.

“The safety of teachers and students must be treated as a priority. No child should be afraid of going to school and no teacher should work under fear of abduction or violence.”

He further called on both the Federal and State Governments to strengthen security infrastructure in schools through the deployment of security personnel and the installation of surveillance facilities where necessary.

The union leader also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, school authorities and host communities to safeguard educational institutions from future attacks.

Some of the protesting teachers expressed concern over recurring security challenges facing schools and urged governments at all levels to adopt proactive measures to prevent similar incidents.

They appealed to education stakeholders and relevant authorities to act swiftly to protect teachers and students, warning that failure to address the situation could further endanger learning environments across the country.

Responding to the demands of the protesters, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, commended the union for raising concerns over the kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire local government area.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Muritala Jimoh, the governor said “efforts were ongoing by both the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government to secure the release of all the abducted victims”.

Adeleke assured teachers and students of their safety and disclosed that a high-level security meeting was being planned to strengthen the protection of lives, property and educational infrastructure.

He also called for the collective efforts of stakeholders across the country to ensure safer schools.

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President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has disclosed that the leadership of the Senate is making efforts to ensure that some senators who lost their parties’ primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections are given another opportunity to return to the National Assembly.

Akpabio made the revelation on Tuesday during plenary following the Senate’s four-week recess, while addressing the outcome of the recently concluded party primaries across the country.

According to reports, about 40 serving senators from various political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), failed to secure their parties’ tickets for the next election cycle.

While congratulating lawmakers who emerged victorious in the primaries, Akpabio acknowledged the disappointment experienced by those who were unsuccessful, assuring them that efforts were underway to minimize political setbacks within the Senate.

“I felicitate, particularly those who have secured their mandates to represent their parties in the next election. I know that there will always be victories and disappointments, yet above every individual triumph stands a greater triumph, the triumph of democracy itself,” he said.

The Senate President noted that the leadership of the upper chamber was surprised by the number of incumbent lawmakers who lost their bids for re-election, adding that discussions were ongoing to find political solutions for some of those affected.

“And in this Senate, we have promised that we will have very few disappointments, and I do know that the Senate leader and the leadership of the Senate are working very hard towards that, so in advance, I will say congratulations to all of us across party lines,” Akpabio stated.

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ondo City came alive on Monday, June 1, 2026, as a sea of jubilant youths converged on Adoc Events Centre and the residence of Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, former representative of Ondo East and West Federal Constituency, to celebrate his birthday.

Under the banner of the End Miscreants Movement, the gathering was more than a festivity—it was a tribute to Akinlaja’s enduring legacy and his contributions to the socio-economic growth of Ondo.

The youths described the septuagenarian and former General Secretary of NUPENG as a peace-loving icon, a consummate democrat, and a leader committed to youth empowerment, human capital development, and sustainable innovation.

They emphasized that the “End Miscreants Movement” reflects Akinlaja’s role as a stabilizing force whose interventions have curbed cultism, violent clashes, land grabbing, and other social vices in the community.

The event drew prominent figures, including former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who praised Akinlaja as a symbol of peace, unity, and progress. Mimiko lauded his maturity and sacrifice in advancing excellence.

Other dignitaries present were Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Olamide Adesanmi Oladiji, Hon. Biola Makinde, Hon. Moyinoluwa Ogunwunmiju, and Hon. Abiola Oladapo, Akin Akinbobola, Eni Akinshola, editor in chief and publisher of Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com), Emmanuel Ajibulu etc, all of whom extolled Akinlaja’s virtues.

The Chairman of Lagos Zone of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG, Comrade Gbolahan Saheed Adigun who was unavoidably absent was represented by Israel Okougbo, Comrade Samuel Owolabi, Adekunle Akinlaja and Comrade Timothy Iseoluwa.

The atmosphere was electrified by live music from five different professional musicians, with youths chanting solidarity slogans and dancing in contagious but peaceful jubilation.

In his remarks, Akinlaja thanked the youths for their support, urging them to prepare for a prosperous future. He highlighted the achievements of Dr. Mimiko (fondly called Iroko), noting his enduring legacies in governance and innovation.

“Our youths must remain steadfast as ambassadors of excellence, shaping a brighter future for Nigeria,” Akinlaja declared, challenging them to actively participate in the electoral process to ensure credible and peaceful elections.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, Aseyege Ayoola, popularly known as Spender, hailed Akinlaja as a unifying figure whose temperament and experience are vital for Nigeria’s progress.

He commended fellow youths for making the event successful and acknowledged contributors such as Kayode Folajogun, Adijath Wonuola, Akin Fadayomi, Lawrence Adefolaju, Lukas Famakinwa, and Akinpelumi.