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.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, noted that the upgrade is in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening technical education, developing human capital, and unlocking Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential.

The approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, who made a case for the establishment of a specialised institution to harness Nasarawa State’s comparative advantage in the solid minerals sector and support Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.

According to the presidential directive, the specialised university will provide world-class education, research, and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies, while producing the skilled workforce required to drive value addition, technological advancement, and sustainable exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.

“The approval reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education system with national development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda by establishing specialised institutions that address the country’s economic needs and leverage its competitive advantages”, the statement read in part.

The President has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other relevant agencies to commence the processes necessary to implement the conversion in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, the statement added.

Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration will continue to invest in education as a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and national prosperity.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists terrorising the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of the state.

Operatives also recovered weapons and suspected hard drugs during the operation.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit acted on credible intelligence to arrest the suspects.

The statement read, “Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, have arrested five suspected cultists believed to be terrorising the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of Lagos State.

“The operation led to the arrest of a suspect, one Abubakar Ayomide, alias ‘Garbazin’, 25 years, who subsequently led operatives to the group’s hideout, where four other suspects were apprehended.”

The other suspects were identified as Tanko Yusuf, 23; Ahmed Abibu, 24; Abubakar Shafi, 23; and Fatai Mohammed, 25.

The statement read further, “The principal suspect confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and has provided useful information to investigators. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang and conclude investigations for prosecution.”

On items recovered, the statement read, “A search conducted at the hideout resulted in the recovery of one battle axe, one UTC knife, two other knives, one hammer, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, items suspected to be criminal charms and other exhibits.”

Items recovered from the suspects. Photo: Lagos State Police Command
The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, warned cultists and other criminal elements in the state to disband or face prosecution.

The statement read, “The Commissioner of Police has issued a stern warning to all cultists and other criminal elements operating within Lagos State to immediately renounce their criminal activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

“There is no hiding place for cultists in Lagos, as the Command remains resolute in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting every individual involved in cult-related violence and other criminal acts.

“The Commissioner of Police further reassured residents that the Command will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations across the State until cultism and other violent crimes are decisively curtailed.

“He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, and assured that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”

The statement listed the following numbers for emergencies or information sharing: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, 08080193432 (Marine), and 09168630929.