Oriire: Wives of Abductors for Arraignment
Security sources say the rescue of 39 abducted pupils and six teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, was aided by the arrest of the kidnappers’ wives and children by Department of State Services operatives after weeks of intelligence gathering. The operation culminated in a military assault on the abductors’ hideout in Oyo National Park, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects and the killing of several others. Authorities said children not linked to the crime will be released, while any wives found to have participated in the kidnappings will be prosecuted. Officials added that the government rejected ransom demands and calls to release detained terrorist leaders, relying instead on intelligence-led operations.
APC: ADC, NDC Not Ready for Polls
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and National Democratic Coalition (NDC) are unprepared for the 2027 general election, citing their failure to upload candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal before the original deadline. The APC said it submitted the names of its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, running mate Kashim Shettima and 469 National Assembly candidates on time. INEC subsequently extended the deadline to July 14 after requests from political parties through the Inter-Party Advisory Council. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it has uploaded its presidential and National Assembly candidates but is yet to announce its vice-presidential candidate, while the NDC and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) expressed confidence of meeting the revised deadline.
Benue: Amnesty Demands Independent Probe Into Killings in Otukpo Nobi
Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into attacks on Otukpo Nobi and Akpachi-Ugboju communities in Benue State, where at least 10 people were killed. The rights group said several people remain missing, others were injured, and the attacks sparked protests by residents demanding improved security. It urged authorities to protect lives, prosecute those responsible and prevent further violence.
Ogun Warns Traders as Refuse Overruns Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The Ogun State Government has warned traders and market leaders against indiscriminate waste disposal, saying markets found dumping refuse risk closure. The warning followed the discovery of refuse heaps and open defecation along parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Mowe, Ibafo and Magboro. Officials said poor sanitation threatens public health and directed market leaders to maintain clean environments after clearing waste from markets in Ifo and Ijebu North.
