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Senate Condemns Oyo School Abduction, Demands Immediate Rescue Of Victims

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The Senate on Wednesday condemned in strong terms the abduction of dozens of school children, teachers and a toddler in Ahoro-Esiele and surrounding communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the attack as a grave threat to Nigeria’s education system and national future.

The upper chamber also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (Oyo North), titled “The Abduction of School Children, Teachers and a Toddler in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.”

Presenting the motion, Senator Buhari informed lawmakers that armed kidnappers invaded the area and abducted 49 persons, including school children, teachers and a toddler.

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According to him, the attack left a trail of tragedy, with three victims shot, one teacher brutally beheaded, while 45 others remain in captivity.

“The victims were abducted from a learning environment that ought to symbolize safety, hope and the future of our nation,” he said.

The lawmaker particularly decried the gruesome killing of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher who was allegedly beheaded by the kidnappers, describing the act as barbaric, inhumane and unacceptable.

He warned that attacks on educational institutions pose a serious danger to national development.

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“When schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the future of the nation itself is imperiled,” Buhari stated.
The Senate noted that the incident had sparked widespread fear, anxiety and outrage among residents of Oyo State and Nigerians across the country.

Lawmakers also acknowledged the intervention of the Federal Government, including the visit of a delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence and the Inspector-General of Police, to assess the situation and sympathize with affected families.

Addressing concerns raised by some lawmakers over perceived differences in the Federal Government’s response compared to previous kidnapping incidents in other parts of the country, Senator Buhari defended the administration’s actions.

He argued that security operations are often tailored to the specific circumstances of each incident and should not be judged solely by public visibility.

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“I disagree with that comparison. Procedures may be different depending on the circumstances on the ground. The approach adopted in one situation may not necessarily be the same in another,” he said.

The senator disclosed that he had personally visited the affected communities several times before the arrival of the Federal Government delegation and remained in constant communication with security agencies coordinating rescue efforts.

“There are many things that cannot be discussed publicly when it comes to security matters. This particular incident is extremely painful and has several peculiar dimensions,” he added.

During the debate, Buhari recounted heartbreaking experiences from the affected communities, highlighting the human cost of the attack.

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He narrated the emotional encounter he had with the widow of the slain teacher, Mr. Oyedokun, during a condolence visit.

“All she kept saying was, ‘I just want my husband.’ The pain was unimaginable,” he said.
He further revealed that another teacher was shot dead while attempting to escape through a window during the attack.

The senator also recounted the killing of a commercial motorcycle rider who was reportedly mistaken by the kidnappers for someone pursuing them. According to him, the rider was merely conveying a passenger between neighbouring communities when he was shot and killed.

In another tragic account, Buhari disclosed that a man whose wife and four children were abducted became overwhelmed by despair and contemplated suicide.

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“I had to plead with him not to lose hope. I asked him to think about what would happen if his wife and children returned home and found that he was no longer there,” he told the Senate.

The lawmaker painted a picture of widespread panic in the affected communities, saying many residents fled their homes following the attack.

According to him, the atmosphere of fear was so intense that he was initially unable to visit the area in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

“Everybody ran away from the town. The fear was overwhelming,” he said.

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He, however, noted that confidence gradually returned after the deployment of military reinforcements, including battalions led by senior military officers, to support ongoing rescue operations.

“The deployment of troops helped restore confidence among residents and strengthened ongoing rescue efforts,” he added.

Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously resolved to condemn the abduction of the school children, teachers and toddler in Oriire Local Government Area, while commiserating with the affected families, communities and the Oyo State Government.

The Senate also urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations and deploy all necessary resources to secure the safe release of the remaining victims.

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Lawmakers further called on the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, improved intelligence gathering and stronger security measures around schools and vulnerable communities nationwide.

Concluding his presentation, Senator Buhari stressed the need for more decisive action against criminal elements threatening lives and education across the country.

“It is sad that these criminals and evil-minded people are now everywhere in our country. We must strengthen security to protect lives and property and ensure that our schools remain safe places for learning,” he said.

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Gov Sani signs laws to transform energy, agric, climate governance

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Governor Uba Sani has signed three laws that will provide a comprehensive framework to transform the energy, agriculture and environmental sectors of Kaduna State.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, listed the new laws as the Kaduna State Electricity Law, 2026, Kaduna State Agricultural Development Fund (KADFund) Law, 2025, and Kaduna State Climate Change Advisory Board Law, 2026.

The statement quoted the Deputy Chief of Staff, Legal and Legislative Matters to the Governor, Dr. Mustapha Musa, as describing the laws as the most transformative governance reform packages.

He further said that the laws aim at expanding energy access, accelerating agricultural growth, strengthening climate resilience, and driving sustainable economic development through strong institutions.

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The statement pointed out that the Kaduna State Electricity Law, 2026 establishes the Kaduna State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and supply within the State.

The Commissioner added that the Electricity Law will create opportunities for private-sector investment, renewable energy development, and improved access to electricity.

Maiyaki also said that the KADFund Law, 2025 creates a dedicated financing mechanism to support farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and agricultural value-chain actors through grants, soft loans, technical assistance, and investments in critical infrastructure aimed at boosting food security and agricultural productivity.

He further noted that the Kaduna State Climate Change Advisory Board Law, 2026 establishes a state-level framework for climate action, environmental sustainability, climate finance mobilization, and the integration of climate considerations into development planning, reinforcing Kaduna’s commitment to sustainable development.

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The Commissioner also said the three laws collectively underscore the administration’s vision of building resilient institutions capable of driving inclusive growth, attracting investment, expanding opportunities, and delivering lasting benefits to citizens.

He noted that the landmark legislations reflect Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to laying the foundations for a prosperous, sustainable, and competitive Kaduna State through electricity sector reform, agricultural transformation, and climate-responsive governance.

According to him, the reforms establish the institutional framework needed to strengthen food security, improve living standards, and position Kaduna as a model for innovation, sustainable development, and effective subnational governance.

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EFCC arraigns oil magnate, two others over alleged N691.6m fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Managing Director of Abu-Haneefa Oil and Gas Ltd, Musa Farouk Abubakar, alongside his company and Sandra Chizoba Attoh before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged fraud involving N691.6 million.

The defendants were arraigned on an amended 15-count charge bordering on conspiracy, corruption, and money laundering to the tune of N691,677,310, according to a statement by the anti-graft agency posted on X.

One of the counts alleged that Abubakar, in July 2025, transferred N297 million from the company’s Zenith Bank account to an account belonging to Attoh, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Another count alleged that he procured Attoh to transfer N262.8 million to a company account for the purchase of property at Kapital Villa, Guzape, Abuja, also suspected to be proceeds of corruption.

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All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, Rita Ogar, urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendants in a correctional facility, stating that the EFCC had “overwhelming evidence” against them.

Counsel to the first and second defendants, Ishaka M. Dikko, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and urged that his client be remanded in EFCC custody pending hearing.

Counsel to the third defendant, Y. G. Haruna (SAN), also confirmed filing a bail application and noted that responses had been exchanged between both parties.

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Ruling on the applications, Justice Egwuatu ordered that the first defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application, while the third defendant was granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.

The court held that the sureties must reside in Abuja, provide verifiable means of identification, deposit passport photographs, and own property within the jurisdiction. One of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must present letters of appointment and promotion.

The case was adjourned to September 1 and 2, 2026 for trial.

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Aisha Yesufu faults NDC over FCT senatorial ticket exclusion

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Prominent activist and politician, Aisha Yesufu, has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over her exclusion from the contest for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senatorial District ticket.

She described the party’s decision as unjust and disappointing while urging her supporters to remain committed to the pursuit of good governance and national development.

Yesufu made the remarks in a statement issued on Wednesday after concluding a tour of all the Area Councils in the FCT, where she met with party leaders, ward officials, stakeholders, members of the Supporters of Aisha Yesufu Group (SAY Nation), and other supporters.

According to her, the outreach was aimed at engaging directly with supporters following the disappointment that greeted the party’s decision to deny her the opportunity to participate in the race for the FCT senatorial ticket.

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“The purpose of the outreach was to engage directly with our supporters, particularly in light of the disappointment occasioned by the party’s decision, which unjustly denied us the opportunity to participate in the contest for the FCT Senatorial District ticket,” she said.

Despite her dissatisfaction with the outcome, Yesufu said the setback would not deter her from pursuing the ideals she has consistently advocated, including justice, good governance and national development.

“It was important to reassure them that, despite this setback, our commitment to the ideals of justice, good governance, and national development remains unwavering,” she stated.

The activist disclosed that her final stop was at Bwari Area Council, where she met with party officials and supporters who, she said, had remained steadfast in their commitment to the political movement and its objectives.

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She noted that discussions during the visits focused on keeping supporters motivated and ensuring that the disappointment surrounding the senatorial ticket did not weaken their resolve to work toward broader national goals.

“I also encouraged our supporters to remain resolute, re-energize their efforts, and channel their passion, dedication, and resources toward the larger national objective of building a better Nigeria,” she said.

Yesufu stressed that the current political climate requires unity, perseverance and renewed determination, adding that supporters should continue to work toward a future anchored on responsible leadership and national progress.

“More than ever, this is a time for unity, perseverance, and renewed determination as we work collectively to secure a brighter future for our nation under the leadership of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” she added.

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Reflecting on the reception she received throughout the tour, Yesufu described the response from party members, stakeholders and supporters as overwhelming and encouraging.

She said the support demonstrated by those she met reinforced her belief that many Nigerians remain committed to the vision of a better country built on accountability, equity and good governance.

“The outpouring of love, support, and solidarity from party members, stakeholders, and supporters was a strong reminder that our shared vision for a better Nigeria continues to resonate with the people,” she said.

“Their confidence and determination reaffirm my belief that, through unity, hard work, and the grace of God, the Nigeria of our dreams is within reach.”

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Yesufu reiterated her commitment to the pursuit of justice, equity and good governance, expressing confidence that sustained collective action would help bring about the changes many Nigerians desire.

“Together, we will continue to stand for justice, equity, and good governance,” she said, adding that she remains optimistic about the country’s future.

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