NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.

FOPCHEN Seeks Wider Engagement As Court Defers Hearing

OTA, OGUN STATE — The High Court of Ogun State, Ota Division, on Thursday resumed hearing in the ongoing matter involving cultural and societal concerns, before adjourning proceedings till Thursday, July 2, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

At the resumed sitting on May 28, 2026, counsel representing the various parties revisited key issues in the case and made further submissions before the court.

The matter, which has continued to generate public interest across different sectors, again drew attention from legal observers and stakeholders who described the case as one with significant implications for societal values, cultural identity and constitutional interpretation.

Speaking after the proceedings, the Foundation for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria, popularly known as FOPCHEN, renewed its appeal for dialogue and constructive engagement among Nigerians, stressing that sensitive cultural and moral issues should not be left entirely within the confines of the courtroom.

According to the group, broader conversations involving traditional institutions, civil society organisations, religious leaders and policy stakeholders remain necessary in addressing issues relating to national values and social responsibility.

Legal analysts at the court premises noted that arguments being canvassed by parties in the suit could shape future legal interpretations surrounding cultural and moral questions in the country.

Following submissions by counsel, the presiding judge adjourned the matter till Thursday, July 2, 2026, to enable parties further prepare and respond to issues raised during the hearing.

The development has continued to spark reactions among observers, with many Nigerians closely monitoring the proceedings ahead of the next hearing date.

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin  Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.

A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.

In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.

According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.