Muslim groups and activists challenge Oyo officials over claims about bandits’ demands, urge focus on safe release of pupils and teachers

The Oyo State Government is facing mounting criticism after abducted school victims in Oriire Local Government Area disputed official reports that their captors demanded ₦1 billion ransom and the implementation of Sharia law. The controversy intensified on Tuesday when a video surfaced showing Mrs. Rachael Alamu, a school principal held by the kidnappers, denying any such demands from her captors.

The incident began when government officials publicly claimed that bandits responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers had requested a ₦1bn ransom, weapons, and the introduction of Sharia law as conditions for release. These statements were widely circulated in media reports, fuelling anxiety across Oyo State and beyond. However, Mrs. Alamu, speaking from captivity in the video message, called on politicians and members of the public not to politicise their ordeal and warned that spreading misinformation could jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts.

The conflicting accounts have sparked reactions from several quarters. Muslim groups in the state questioned the credibility of the government’s claims, noting that no independently verified evidence supported reports about a Sharia law demand. The groups urged those who made such statements to clarify their sources and cautioned that unverified claims risked inflaming tensions within the state. Human rights activist Francis Nwapa also criticised the government’s approach in a written statement, accusing officials of using the abduction to promote divisive narratives instead of prioritising the safe return of those still held captive.

As families of abducted pupils and teachers continue to await news of their loved ones’ release, calls are growing for authorities to intensify rescue operations and ensure accurate communication with the public. The situation has heightened concerns about security in South-West Nigeria and raised fresh questions about official transparency in crisis management. For now, attention remains focused on securing the victims’ freedom while stakeholders urge restraint from politicising unverified information.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/oyo-school-kidnapping-government-faces-backlash-for-fabricating-bandits-demands-2026061119062257044

Lawmakers approve extension amid concerns over incomplete projects; opposition warns of fiscal discipline risks

The Senate in Abuja has once again approved an extension for the implementation of the 2025 federal budget, taking the decision during plenary on Thursday, 11 June. The move comes as several capital projects funded under the budget remain unfinished, prompting lawmakers to prolong spending authority for ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The extension was endorsed following deliberations led by Senate leadership, who cited widespread delays in project execution as at June. Senators noted that many MDAs had been unable to complete key initiatives due to procurement bottlenecks and disruptions in cash releases, making it necessary to grant additional time for utilisation of appropriated funds.

This latest extension has significant implications for Nigeria’s public finance management. Budget rollovers have become more frequent in recent years, raising questions over the effectiveness of the annual appropriation cycle. With inflation and naira volatility still affecting government contracts, stakeholders say timely project delivery is crucial to restore public confidence and support economic growth.

While the Senate majority supported the move, some opposition senators expressed concern that repeated extensions could undermine fiscal discipline. They called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address systemic delays and strengthen oversight of MDAs’ spending. “We cannot continue this pattern every year without consequences,” one opposition lawmaker cautioned during debate.

With this approval, federal ministries now have a longer window to complete ongoing projects funded under the 2025 budget. The Senate urged all MDAs to expedite implementation and ensure value for money, warning that further delays would attract closer scrutiny from National Assembly committees.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886958-again-senate-extends-the-2025-federal-budget.html

Angel Folorunso urges compliance with Private Guard Companies Act as Iru Ekun network proposal raises concerns

A political analyst and former lecturer, Angel Folorunso, has cautioned that the unchecked spread of unregulated private security outfits in Nigeria could pose new security risks and threaten national stability. Folorunso made this warning on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, through a statement addressing recent calls for alternative security arrangements amid rising insecurity.

The analyst specifically referenced the proposed Iru Ekun security network championed by Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Sunday Igboho), stressing that any group operating outside established legal frameworks might inadvertently create parallel security structures. According to Folorunso, although the worsening state of insecurity across the country has led to increased public demand for community-based or private security solutions, such initiatives must strictly adhere to existing legislation.

Folorunso explained that Nigeria’s private security industry is mainly regulated by the Private Guard Companies Act of 1986. This law stipulates that all private security firms must be licensed, wholly Nigerian-owned, and supervised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He noted that any deviation from these provisions could worsen the current situation by creating confusion about legitimate authority and accountability.

He further advised stakeholders considering new security organisations to consult relevant laws before launching operations. “We cannot afford a proliferation of groups acting without oversight. It will only add to our existing challenges,” he said in his statement. Folorunso emphasised that government agencies like NSCDC have both supervisory and enforcement roles under the law.

As debates continue over how best to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity, analysts like Folorunso maintain that strict regulation and adherence to legal guidelines remain crucial. There was no immediate response from proponents of the Iru Ekun network at press time.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/unregulated-security-outfits-could-create-new-threats-analyst-warns/