The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, said it received with immense joy the news of the release of the teachers and learners who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their freedom as a victory for humanity and a source of renewed confidence for the education sector.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the union, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Olukayode Salami, the union said the safe return of the victims has lifted a heavy burden from the hearts of teachers, pupils, students, parents, relatives, and all lovers of education across Oyo State and beyond.

The union noted that the incident tested the resolve of the education community but commended teachers across the state for remaining united and steadfast while hoping and praying for the safe return of their colleagues and learners.

The NUT particularly expressed profound appreciation to the government of Nigeria, starting from the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Oyo State Government led by Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSC, DSC, GSSRS, for demonstrating the political will needed to ensure that every available resource was deployed towards securing the safe release of the victims.

The union also lauded the commitment, professionalism, and courage of the security agencies whose tireless operations and collaboration led to the successful rescue of our people unhurt, describing their efforts as reassuring to citizens and particularly to those within the education sector.

The statement further appreciated the National and Regional Leadership of the union led by Comrade Audu Titu Amba, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour unions (NLC), Oyo State MoES&T, government functionaries, ANCOPSS, AOPSHON, media, civil society organisations, global education community and countless Nigerians whose prayers, words of encouragement, and solidarity gave strength to the families of the victims throughout the period of the untold agony and uncertainty.

While celebrating this joyful development, the union commiserated with the families of those gallant colleagues who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident and urged the Governments at all levels not to relent in their efforts to strengthen security around schools and communities.

It stressed that every child deserves to learn in a safe environment and every teacher deserves to carry out his or her professional duties without fear.

The NUT reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government and relevant stakeholders to promote safe schools programmes and quality education.

It further expressed confidence that the unfortunate incident would further strengthen the collective resolve to protect lives and the future of every Nigerian.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday was at the Military Hospital in Ibadan to visit the rescued Oriire schoolchildren and teachers, who are currently receiving treatment and care at the facility.

The victims were the pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, and had spent more than 50 days in captivity before regaining their freedom.

The Federal Government announced their rescue on Friday, with Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosing that security agencies successfully secured the release of all the captives.

The ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise in Adamawa State, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, has recorded 43,380 new registrations as of July 7, 2026.

Local government-by-local government registration data made available to Saturday PUNCH by the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Mohammed Nura, showed that as of July 2, 2026, women accounted for 22,527 registrations, while men recorded 20,853, bringing the total to 43,380.

The REC, who was the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Yobe State in 1994, said that the CVR exercise was organised to ensure that citizens who attained the age of 18 after the last general election are able to participate in future polls.

He said, “The main purpose of the CVR exercise is to ensure that youths who could not participate in the last general elections because they were underage are given the opportunity to participate after attaining the constitutional voting age of 18.

“We were supposed to end the exercise on July 7, 2026, but I still believe the headquarters may approve an extension since the elections are still some time away.”

Nura said the CVR exercise also enables those who have changed their place of residence to transfer their voter registration to their new locations, while those who have lost their Permanent Voter Cards can apply for replacements during the exercise.

He further stated that the exercise was designed to ensure that all eligible Nigerians are registered to participate in the general elections and elect their leaders.


The REC called on political parties in the state to mobilise members who are yet to obtain their voter cards to take advantage of the exercise and register.

Nura assured Nigerians that the commission was prepared to conduct one of the best general elections in the country’s history.