Oriire Abduction: I Can Sacrifice Myself for the Release of Abducted Children – Oyo State Governor, Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has said he is willing to sacrifice himself to secure the release of children and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, stating that he is “almost 60 years old.”

The governor made the statement on Tuesday while addressing a group of peaceful protesters led by activist and social commentator, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.

“I can sacrifice myself for the release of the abducted children; I am almost 60 years old,” Makinde said during the address.

Responding to the protesters’ request to participate in the rescue operation, Makinde expressed confidence in the security architecture currently deployed, stating that it is capable of securing the safe release of the victims with minimal casualties.

According to the governor, available intelligence indicates that no additional casualties have been recorded among the abductees following the earlier killing of a Mathematics teacher during the incident.

Makinde, however, stressed that if the situation persists, he would personally volunteer to join the rescue mission despite the risks involved. He maintained that negotiating with kidnappers is not the most appropriate option for government.

The governor commended the protesters for their peaceful solidarity march, noting that public agitation and civic engagement often spur leaders and security agencies into swift action toward achieving positive outcomes.

The governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to working with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims and to address insecurity in the area.

Makinde also called for calm and urged residents to provide credible information to security operatives to aid rescue efforts. He emphasized that protecting lives and property remains a priority for his administration.

Earlier, Martins Vincent Otse said the solidarity walk was organized to support the government’s efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers and reunite them with their families as quickly as possible.

Otse also pledged to volunteer himself, alongside other youths, to participate in the rescue efforts in Oriire Local Government Area, as part of a broader commitment to tackling the growing menace of kidnapping and banditry across the country.

The Oriire abduction has drawn widespread attention in recent days, with civil society groups and individuals demanding faster action from authorities.

Police deploy ICT tools to rescue abducted Oyo teachers, pupils

Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Adegoke Fayoade, has disclosed that advanced policing technology has been deployed in efforts to secure the release of teachers and students abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring that security operatives were working to ensure their safe rescue without casualties.

The DIG made the remarks on Monday during an official duty tour of the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, where he engaged with officers, stakeholders and members of the public as part of a mission from the Inspector-General of Police.

Fayoade said the police had already activated technological resources and technical expertise to facilitate the release of the victims, expressing confidence that they would soon be reunited with their families unharmed.

“ICT technology is already used in freeing the abductees. It’s just a matter of time. They will be out unhurt.“

“We don’t want to have any collateral damage. We want all of them to be out, alive. And reunited with their families,” he said.

Addressing stakeholders, Fayoade said he had visited the state on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police to reassure residents of the police’s commitment to maintaining security across the South-West geopolitical zone.

“I am in Oyo State on a mission from the Inspector-General of Police. I am here to engage with the community and assure them that the police will continue to perform their duties diligently and effectively. I also want to assure the public that the South-West geopolitical zone will remain safe and that all forms of crime and criminality will be dealt with adequately,” he said.

The DIG stressed that technology had become indispensable in modern policing, noting that the force had continued to leverage technological innovations to detect, investigate and prevent crimes.

“Technology is the backbone of modern policing. Once the appropriate technology is deployed, crime can be detected, resolved and prevented effectively.”

“We are already doing this. Whatever crime occurred, we will utilise our technical experts and the technology available to us to ensure that cases are resolved within the shortest possible time,” he stated.

Fayoade further emphasised the importance of public trust and community partnership in effective policing, saying the success of law enforcement operations largely depended on cooperation from citizens.

“Building trust is essential. Without trust, members of the public will be reluctant to partner with the police. The only way to build trust is through good and quality service delivery in policing,” he said.

He added that officers had a responsibility to conduct themselves professionally and transparently in order to inspire public confidence.

“We have to relate with members of the public sincerely and objectively, conduct our duties in a manner that will inspire confidence in the police, and avoid any actions that can undermine justice.”

“We have to make ourselves available whenever there is a problem, respond promptly to resolve issues, and provide feedback on how those issues will be addressed,” Fayoade said.

According to him, sustained transparency and sincerity in police operations would encourage citizens to volunteer credible intelligence needed to combat criminality and social vices.

“By doing all these things transparently and sincerely, we will be able to build trust. Once that trust is established, members of the public will be willing to rely on us and provide the vital and credible information needed to combat crime, social vices and the various challenges confronting society,” he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, described the state as one of the most strategic in the country and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents through intelligence-driven policing and stakeholder collaboration.

“Oyo State remains one of the most strategic states in the Federation, with its unique demographic, economic and security dynamics. Despite the challenges associated with policing such a vast and vibrant state, the Command has remained resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led policing, strategic stakeholder engagement, crime prevention initiatives and robust law enforcement operations,” Olugbenga said.

The Police Commissioner expressed optimism that the DIG’s visit would further strengthen operational capacity and collaboration among officers and stakeholders.

“We are particularly delighted that the visit will feature interactive lectures and engagements with officers of the Command as well as key stakeholders,” he said.

Olugbenga also commended community leaders and stakeholders for their continued support of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that security could only be achieved through collective effort.

“To our esteemed stakeholders present, I express appreciation for their enduring cooperation and partnership with the Nigeria Police Force. Security remains a shared responsibility, and their contributions will continue to play a vital role in maintaining peace, stability and development within Oyo State,” the commissioner added. (Vanguard)

Hijrah 1448AH: The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi Felicitates with Muslim Ummah.

As Muslims across the world mark the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1448AH Mubarak. The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, extends heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and beyond.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, in a message signed by , Director General BAM2027 Spokesperson, Kudirat Abeni, described the Hijrah 1448AH as a moment of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and a powerful symbol of sacrifice, perseverance, and divine guidance.

He urged Muslims to embrace the lessons of the Prophet’s migration as a call to strengthen their faith, promote peace, and uphold justice in all spheres of life.

“The Hijrah reminds us of the strength found in unity, the courage to stand for truth, and the grace of peaceful coexistence.

“Let us use this sacred moment to recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and harmonious society, where our diversity becomes our greatest strength.”

He praised the Muslim community in Oyo State for their continued contributions to the peace and progress of the state, adding that their devotion, discipline, and service to humanity remain a vital force in the state’s development.

“I wish all Muslims a blessed and fulfilling Hijrah 1448AH Mubarak. May this new year bring peace, progress, and divine favor to every household,” he concluded.

Signed:

Kudirat Abeni

Director

 General

BAM2027

Late Gen. Abubakar’s wife shot during rescue, rushed to hospital

 

Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late former Director of Defence Information, retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, was shot by bandits during her rescue from captivity, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed yesterday evening, Monday, June 15, 2026.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed in a statement in Abuja that the bandits shot Abubakar during the encounter before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops.

He said she was immediately evacuated and was currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital.

“Mrs Abubakar is responding to treatment,” he said.

Uba said troops of the Nigerian Army, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, rescued Abubakar during intensified search-and-rescue operations under Operation Fansan Yamma.

He said the rescue followed sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements by troops operating in the area.

According to him, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village, leading to the successful recovery of Abubakar.

“The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.

“During sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village, leading to the successful recovery of Abubakar.”

The defence spokesman said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to ensuring her full recovery and was providing all necessary support to her family.

He added that troops would continue ongoing operations to track down and neutralise the perpetrators.

Uba said efforts were also being intensified to rid affected communities of terrorists and other criminal elements across Katsina State and the country at large.

Mrs Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband few weeks ago by bandits in the state.

The DHQ had on June 13 confirmed the death of Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar (Rtd.) in captivity in spite of efforts by security forces to secure his release.

Nollywood Actor Baba Ijesha Welcomes Baby Boy With Wife

Popular Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, widely known as Baba Ijesha, and his wife have welcomed a bouncing baby boy, bringing joy and celebration to their family.

The actor announced the arrival of his son on Monday through an emotional post on his social media page, where he expressed gratitude to God for the new addition to his family. According to Baba Ijesha, the baby boy, named King Kagar Omiyinka, and the announcement was made on Monday’s night.

Sharing his excitement, the actor thanked God for blessing him and his wife with a healthy baby boy, describing the birth as a divine gift. He also showered praises on his wife, celebrity fashion entrepreneur and stylist, CEO Luminee, for her strength and support throughout the journey to motherhood.

In his heartfelt message, Baba Ijesha noted that God had given him more than he prayed for, adding that his wife had now become the mother of his son, King Kagar Omiyinka. The announcement was accompanied by beautiful maternity photographs of the couple, which quickly attracted congratulatory messages from fans, friends, and colleagues within the entertainment industry.

Since the news broke, social media has been flooded with goodwill messages, as many well-wishers celebrated the couple’s new bundle of joy and prayed for God’s protection, wisdom, and good health for the newborn.

The birth of baby King Kagar Omiyinka marks a significant milestone for the actor and his family, as they begin a new chapter filled with the joys and responsibilities of parenthood.