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  • Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction: Women Traditionalists Storm Shrines, Seek Divine Intervention!

    Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction: Women Traditionalists Storm Shrines, Seek Divine Intervention!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    IBADAN, Nigeria — A group of women traditionalists in Oyo State has gathered at various shrines across the state to perform prayers and spiritual rites, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of schoolchildren abducted by suspected kidnappers. The development, which occurred on Thursday, June 5, 2026, reflects growing public desperation and community involvement as families and residents continue to await the children’s rescue.

    The abduction, which took place earlier this week in the Ogbomoso area of Oyo State, has sent shockwaves through the community and intensified calls for stronger security measures. Authorities have confirmed that an unspecified number of students were taken from their school premises by armed men, though official figures remain disputed by local sources.

    Community Desperation Turns to Spiritual Intervention

    The gathering of women traditionalists at various shrines represents a significant cultural response to the crisis. In Yoruba tradition, shrines dedicated to deities such as Ogun, Sango, and Oya are often visited during times of collective distress, with adherents believing that spiritual forces can intervene where human efforts have failed.

    “We cannot sit idle while our children are in the hands of these criminals,” said Madam Adebisi Ogunleye, a leader of the traditionalist group, speaking to journalists at a shrine in Ibadan. “Our ancestors and the gods have always protected us. We are calling on them now to reveal the location of our children and bring them home safely.”

    The women, dressed in white garments and carrying calabashes containing offerings of kolanut, palm oil, and honey, performed incantations and libations at multiple shrines across the state. The ritual, known as “Ebo” in Yoruba cosmology, is traditionally performed to appease deities and seek their favour in times of crisis.

    This cultural response highlights the deep-rooted belief systems that remain influential in contemporary Nigerian society, even as the country grapples with modern security challenges. For many families affected by the abduction, the spiritual dimension offers a source of hope and psychological solace when conventional rescue efforts appear stalled.

    Security Forces Intensify Search Operations

    Meanwhile, security forces have intensified search operations across Oyo State and neighbouring regions. The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups, has deployed tactical teams to forested areas believed to be hideouts for kidnap gangs.

    Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, CP Ayodele Sonubi, confirmed that a joint task force has been established to coordinate the rescue effort. “We are working around the clock to ensure the safe return of these children,” Sonubi said in a statement. “Our operatives have been deployed to all possible locations, and we are following up on credible intelligence.”

    The Oyo State Government has also announced the establishment of a dedicated emergency response centre and urged residents to provide any information that could assist the rescue operation. Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited the affected school on Wednesday, described the abduction as “a heinous act that will not be tolerated” and pledged to strengthen security infrastructure across the state.

    Rising Kidnapping Crisis in Nigeria

    The Oyo schoolchildren abduction is the latest in a series of mass kidnappings targeting educational institutions across Nigeria. Since the Chibok schoolgirls abduction in 2014, which saw 276 girls taken from their school in Borno State, the country has witnessed a disturbing pattern of attacks on schools by armed groups.

    According to data from the Nigeria Security Tracker, a project of the Council on Foreign Relations, at least 1,680 students have been abducted from Nigerian schools between 2014 and 2026. The majority of these incidents have occurred in northern states, but the Oyo abduction signals a worrying expansion of the crisis into the South-West region.

    “This is a national emergency that requires a coordinated response,” said Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, a security analyst based in Lagos. “The kidnappers are exploiting gaps in our security architecture, and they are becoming bolder. We need a multi-faceted approach that combines military action, community intelligence, and social intervention to address the root causes of this crisis.”

    Cultural Impact: Traditional Institutions Under Strain

    The involvement of traditionalists in the response to the abduction reflects the enduring influence of indigenous belief systems in Nigerian society. In Yoruba culture, traditional religious practices coexist with Islam and Christianity, and many families maintain allegiance to both spiritual traditions.

    However, the crisis has also exposed tensions within communities about the appropriate response to security threats. Some religious leaders have criticised the traditionalist intervention, arguing that it undermines faith in modern institutions and security forces.

    “While we respect the cultural practices of our people, we must be careful not to create the impression that spiritual intervention is a substitute for effective security measures,” said Pastor Emmanuel Adewale, a Christian cleric in Ibadan. “We need both prayer and action, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens.”

    The traditionalist response also raises questions about the erosion of community trust in state institutions. When citizens turn to shrines rather than police stations, it signals a profound crisis of confidence in the state’s ability to provide security.

    Security and Conflict: The Geopolitical Dimension

    The Oyo abduction has broader implications for security dynamics in the South-West region and across Nigeria. The incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating insecurity, including farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and separatist agitation in various parts of the country.

    Analysts have noted that the kidnappers may be linked to criminal networks that operate across state boundaries, exploiting weak border controls and limited inter-agency cooperation. The use of forested areas as hideouts, particularly the Oke Ogun region, has made it difficult for security forces to track and neutralise these groups.

    “The kidnappers are becoming more sophisticated,” said retired Colonel Abiodun Ogunbiyi, a security consultant. “They use encrypted communication, change locations frequently, and have local informants who provide intelligence on security movements. We need to disrupt these networks through intelligence-led operations and community engagement.”

    The federal government has faced mounting criticism over its handling of the security crisis. Opposition parties and civil society groups have called for the declaration of a state of emergency in areas most affected by kidnapping and banditry.

    Pan-African Significance: A Continental Challenge

    The Oyo schoolchildren abduction is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of insecurity affecting educational institutions across Africa. In recent years, similar attacks have occurred in countries including Kenya, Somalia, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The African Union has condemned attacks on schools as violations of international humanitarian law and has called on member states to implement the Safe Schools Declaration, a political commitment to protect education during armed conflict. Nigeria is a signatory to the declaration but has faced challenges in implementing its provisions.

    “The protection of children in conflict zones is a continental priority,” said Amb. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, the African Union’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations. “We cannot afford to normalise the abduction of schoolchildren. This is a violation of their fundamental rights and a threat to the future of our continent.”

    The crisis also highlights the need for cross-border cooperation in addressing transnational organised crime. Kidnapping-for-ransom networks often operate across national boundaries, exploiting weak law enforcement and corruption to evade justice.

    What Happens Next

    As of Friday, June 6, 2026, the search for the abducted schoolchildren continues. Security forces have not provided a timeline for their rescue, but officials have expressed cautious optimism based on intelligence gathered in recent days.

    The Oyo State Government has announced plans to review security arrangements at all schools in the state, including the deployment of additional police personnel and the installation of surveillance equipment. The government has also appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

    For the families of the abducted children, each passing hour brings renewed anxiety and hope. The women traditionalists have vowed to continue their spiritual intercessions until the children are safely returned, a testament to the enduring power of culture and community in the face of adversity.

    SOURCES

    1. BBC News — “Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction: Women Traditionalists Seek Divine Intervention” (June 5, 2026)
    2. Channels Television — “Oyo Abduction: Security Forces Intensify Search Operations” (June 6, 2026)
    3. Vanguard News — “Kidnapping Crisis: Oyo State Government Establishes Emergency Response Centre” (June 5, 2026)
    4. The Punch — “Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction: Families, Community in Agony” (June 5, 2026)
    5. Daily Trust — “Nigeria’s Kidnapping Epidemic: A National Emergency” (June 6, 2026)
    6. Council on Foreign Relations — Nigeria Security Tracker (2026)

  • Oyo Speaker Reveals Terrorists Demand Weapons, Cash, and Influence Over Future Laws for Hostage Release!

    Oyo Speaker Reveals Terrorists Demand Weapons, Cash, and Influence Over Future Laws for Hostage Release!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Editor-in-Chief at Sele Media Africa

    IBADAN, Nigeria — The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, has disclosed that terrorist groups operating in parts of Nigeria are now demanding weapons, cash, and concessions that would shape future legislation in exchange for the release of abducted schoolchildren and other victims. Ogundoyin made the revelation on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during a security briefing in Ibadan, describing the demands as a direct assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty and a dangerous escalation in the country’s protracted security crisis.

    A New Dimension in Hostage Negotiations

    Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with security chiefs, Ogundoyin said the demands extend beyond ransom payments, marking a shift in the tactics of criminal networks. “These groups are no longer just asking for money. They are demanding weapons, large sums of cash, and in some cases, assurances that future laws will be influenced in their favour,” he stated. “This is not criminality anymore; this is a threat to the very fabric of our nation.”

    The Speaker’s remarks come amid a surge in abductions targeting schools, communities, and travellers across Nigeria’s North-West and South-West regions. While he did not specify which groups or incidents he was referencing, security analysts have linked the trend to bandit networks and factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operating outside their traditional strongholds.

    Understanding the Legal and Regulatory Implications

    The demand for influence over future legislation raises profound constitutional and legal questions. Under Nigerian law, the legislature is the sole body empowered to make laws, and any attempt by non-state actors to coerce legislative outcomes constitutes a direct violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy, and any agreement made under duress that seeks to alter legislative processes would likely be deemed null and void by the courts.

    Legal experts have warned that such demands could set a dangerous precedent. “If the state were to entertain or even appear to negotiate on legislative matters with terrorist groups, it would undermine the rule of law and the integrity of democratic institutions,” said Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, a constitutional lawyer based in Lagos. “The legislature must remain independent and insulated from any form of coercion, whether from armed groups or executive overreach.”

    Ogundoyin’s disclosure also highlights gaps in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism legal framework. The Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011, as amended in 2022, criminalises all forms of terrorist financing, negotiation with terrorists, and the provision of material support. However, enforcement remains weak, and the law does not explicitly address demands for legislative influence, a loophole that security experts say must be urgently closed.

    Background: Nigeria’s Abduction Crisis in Context

    Nigeria has witnessed a staggering rise in mass abductions since the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping in 2014. According to data from the Nigerian Security Tracker, over 10,000 people have been abducted in the last five years, with schoolchildren, university students, and rural communities being the most vulnerable. The government has repeatedly declared a state of emergency on security, but the crisis persists.

    In 2021, bandits abducted over 300 schoolboys from the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, demanding ransom and the release of their imprisoned commanders. More recently, in March 2026, armed groups kidnapped 287 students from a school in Zamfara State, triggering widespread condemnation. The pattern of demands has evolved from simple ransom to include political and legislative concessions, a shift that Ogundoyin described as “alarming.”

    “We are seeing a professionalisation of terror,” said Aliyu Usman, a security analyst at the Centre for Democracy and Development in Abuja. “These groups are learning from each other and from global terrorist networks. They understand the power of the legislature and are now trying to weaponise it.”

    Reactions from Political and Security Circles

    Ogundoyin’s statement has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. The Oyo State Government, through its Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, called for a coordinated national response. “The demands are unacceptable. The government will not negotiate with terrorists on matters of law and sovereignty,” Oyelade said in a statement.

    At the federal level, the Senate Committee on Defence and Army has called for an emergency session to review the Terrorism (Prevention) Act and consider amendments that would criminalise any demand for legislative influence. Senator Ibrahim Danbaba, the committee chairman, told journalists in Abuja: “We must send a clear message that no terrorist group will ever dictate how this country is governed. The law must be strengthened and enforced without exception.”

    Human rights groups have also weighed in, urging the government to prioritise the safe return of hostages while refusing to concede to illegal demands. Amnesty International Nigeria, in a statement, said: “The safety of abducted citizens must remain paramount, but the state must not cross the red line of negotiating on constitutional matters. Any such deal would be illegal and morally indefensible.”

    Pan-African and Global Significance

    The developments in Nigeria carry significant implications for the African continent. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy, and the stability of the country directly affects regional security in West Africa and the Sahel. The expansion of terrorist demands into the legislative domain could embolden similar groups across the continent, from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa.

    The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has previously warned that terrorism in Africa is evolving, with groups adopting more sophisticated political and economic strategies. The AU’s Special Representative for Counter-Terrorism, Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, has called for a continental framework to address the nexus between terrorism and governance. “What happens in Nigeria does not stay in Nigeria,” she said during a recent summit in Addis Ababa. “It sets a precedent for the entire continent.”

    Globally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has documented a rise in terrorist groups seeking to exploit weak governance structures to extract political and legislative concessions. The situation in Nigeria could become a case study for how states can respond without undermining democratic institutions.

    What Happens Next

    The Oyo State House of Assembly has announced plans to convene a security summit in July 2026, bringing together lawmakers, security agencies, and civil society organisations to develop a legislative framework for countering terrorism and kidnapping. Ogundoyin has also called on the National Assembly to expedite the review of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act to explicitly prohibit demands for legislative influence.

    In the meantime, security forces have intensified operations in Oyo and neighbouring states, with the Nigerian Army confirming the rescue of 42 hostages in the past week. However, the Speaker’s revelations suggest that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria has entered a new and more complex phase—one where the battle is not only for territory and lives but for the soul of the nation’s democracy.

    SOURCES

    • Punch
    • Vanguard
    • Daily Trust
    • Channels Television
    • The Nation
    • Nigerian Security Tracker
    • Centre for Democracy and Development
    • Amnesty International Nigeria
    • African Union Peace and Security Council

  • Oyo Assembly Rejects Ransom Talks, Demands Immediate Rescue of Abducted Students and Teachers!

    Oyo Assembly Rejects Ransom Talks, Demands Immediate Rescue of Abducted Students and Teachers!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Editor-in-Chief, Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    IBADAN, Nigeria— The Oyo State House of Assembly has formally rejected any form of negotiation with the armed group that abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, demanding instead that security forces prioritise a swift, tactical rescue operation to secure the victims’ freedom.

    During an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, lawmakers passed a unanimous resolution condemning the attack and categorically ruling out ransom payments. The Assembly argued that engaging kidnappers financially would incentivise future abductions and erode public safety across the state. The decision places Oyo State at the centre of a growing national debate on the legal and ethical boundaries of negotiating with criminal non-state actors.

    Lawmakers Condemn Negotiation with Criminals

    The resolution, moved by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Hon. Akeem Akintola, and seconded by the Majority Leader, Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola, received overwhelming support from across party lines. Legislators emphasised that the state government must not yield to the demands of the kidnappers, whom they described as “enemies of the people.”

    “The Oyo State House of Assembly will not support any discussion that involves paying a ransom to these criminals. It sets a dangerous precedent and emboldens other criminal elements to target our schools,” Hon. Akintola stated on the floor of the House.

    The Assembly’s hardline stance aligns with Nigeria’s existing legal framework. Under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011, as amended, making or receiving ransom payments in connection with an act of terrorism is a criminal offence punishable by at least 15 years imprisonment. Kidnapping for ransom, particularly when it involves mass abductions, is treated as an act of terrorism under Nigerian law.

    Security and Conflict: The Urgent Rescue Imperative

    The abduction, which occurred late Monday evening, targeted a secondary school in the Kisi area of Oriire. Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least six students and two teachers were taken from the school premises by armed men who invaded the community on motorcycles. The attackers reportedly fired sporadically to disperse residents before rounding up their victims.

    Security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and local vigilante groups, have been deployed to the area. However, as of press time, no official confirmation of the exact number of victims or the location of the abductees has been released by the Oyo State Government.

    The Assembly has called on the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Adebola Hamzat, to provide a detailed briefing on the rescue operation. Lawmakers also demanded the immediate activation of a joint security task force to conduct search-and-rescue operations in the forests bordering Oyo, Osun, and Kwara states, areas known to be hideouts for criminal gangs.

    “This is not just a matter of law enforcement; it is a matter of national security,” Hon. Babalola said during the debate. “We cannot allow our schools to become soft targets for armed groups. The security architecture of the state must be reviewed urgently.”

    Legal and Regulatory Implications: A Test for State Policy

    The Oyo Assembly’s rejection of ransom negotiations reinforces the legal prohibition against such payments. However, the stance raises complex questions about the safety of victims in active captivity. Human rights observers note that while the law forbids ransom, families of abducted victims often face agonising choices when state rescue operations are slow or ineffective.

    Nigeria’s legal system has struggled to balance the absolute prohibition of ransom with the practical realities of securing the release of hostages. In several high-profile mass abductions in northern Nigeria, state governments have been accused of paying ransoms secretly, despite legal prohibitions. The Oyo Assembly’s public declaration is an attempt to close that gap and enforce the law transparently.

    The Assembly also called on the Oyo State Government to expedite the implementation of the Oyo State Safety of Schools Policy, which mandates the installation of surveillance systems, perimeter fencing, and the deployment of dedicated security personnel to all public schools in the state. Lawmakers noted that the Oriire abduction underscores the urgency of fully operationalising these measures.

    Pan-African Significance: School Abductions as a Continental Crisis

    The abduction in Oyo State is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern across Africa. From the Chibok girls in Nigeria to kidnappings in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions and attacks on schools in Burkina Faso and Mali, educational institutions have increasingly become targets of armed groups.

    The Oyo Assembly’s firm rejection of ransom negotiations signals a shift toward a more aggressive, security-first approach to school protection. This stance could influence policy debates in other African countries grappling with similar threats. If Oyo State successfully secures the victims’ release without payment, it could provide a model for other states and nations facing the dilemma of negotiating with kidnappers.

    The African Union’s Safe Schools Declaration, which Nigeria has endorsed, commits member states to protect education during armed conflict. The Oyo case will test whether that commitment translates into effective action at the state level.

    Reactions and Next Steps

    Civil society organisations in Oyo State have expressed cautious support for the Assembly’s position. The Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers urged the government to prioritise the safety of the abducted educators and students above all else.

    “The lives of our members and the children are at stake. While we agree that criminals should not be rewarded, we urge the government to ensure that every possible resource is deployed to bring them home safely,” said Mr. Titus Adebayo, the union’s state secretary.

    The Oyo State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the Assembly’s resolution. However, sources within the Governor’s office indicate that the state security council is meeting to coordinate the response.

    The House of Assembly has given security agencies a 48-hour ultimatum to provide a comprehensive update on the rescue mission. Failure to do so, lawmakers warned, would trigger a motion for a full-scale parliamentary investigation into the state of security in Oriire and surrounding local government areas.

    As night falls on Oyo State, the families of the abducted students and teachers wait in anguish, hoping that the political resolve shown in the Assembly chamber translates into a swift and safe resolution on the ground.

    SOURCES

    • Channels Television
    • Punch Newspapers
    • Vanguard Nigeria
    • The Nation Newspaper
    • Tribune Online

  • Oyo Muslims Grapple with Soaring Ram Prices as Economic Hardship Deepens Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir 2026!

    Oyo Muslims Grapple with Soaring Ram Prices as Economic Hardship Deepens Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir 2026!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    IBADAN, Nigeria — Muslims across Oyo State are expressing growing frustration over the sharp increase in ram prices ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, with many families now uncertain whether they can afford the annual sacrifice. Traders and buyers in major livestock markets across the state report that the cost of rams has surged by as much as 60 percent compared to the same period in 2025, driven by a combination of inflation, rising transportation costs, and insecurity affecting cattle movement along key trade routes.

    The price hike comes as Nigeria’s broader economic challenges — including a weakening naira, high fuel costs, and declining household purchasing power — continue to squeeze ordinary citizens. For many Muslim families in Oyo, the rising cost of rams threatens to turn a cherished religious obligation into an unattainable luxury.

    Market Prices Reflect Widespread Economic Pressure

    At the popular Bodija livestock market in Ibadan, traders said the price of a medium-sized ram now ranges between 180,000 and 250,000 naira, up from approximately 120,000 to 150,000 naira during the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir season. Larger rams, which previously sold for around 200,000 naira, are now priced at 350,000 naira or more.

    Alhaji Ganiyu Adebayo, a livestock dealer with 15 years of experience at Bodija market, attributed the price surge to multiple factors converging simultaneously.

    “We are buying the rams at much higher prices from northern suppliers because the cost of transporting them has doubled. Fuel prices have not come down, and the insecurity along the highways means we must pay for armed escorts to protect our livestock,” Adebayo told Sele Media Africa. “We cannot sell at a loss, so the burden falls on the buyers.”

    The situation is similar at other major markets across Oyo State, including Oja Oba in Oyo town, Akesan market in Iseyin, and the Ogbomoso livestock market. Traders reported reduced customer turnout, with many potential buyers simply walking away after hearing the prices.

    Economic Hardship Compounds Religious Duty

    For many Muslim families, the sacrifice of a ram during Eid-el-Kabir — known as Qurbani — is a deeply significant religious act commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. However, the financial strain has forced some to reconsider.

    Mrs. Khadijat Olaniyi, a mother of four and a civil servant in Ibadan, said her household budget simply cannot accommodate the cost of a ram this year.

    “Last year, we managed to buy a ram for 130,000 naira. This year, the same size ram is almost 200,000 naira. My salary has not increased, and the cost of food, school fees, and rent has all gone up,” Olaniyi said. “I am considering whether we should buy a smaller ram or perhaps join with other family members to share the cost. It is painful, but we must be realistic.”

    The decision to forgo or reduce the sacrifice is not taken lightly. Islamic scholars in Oyo have acknowledged the economic realities facing worshippers, with some issuing guidance that the obligation is contingent upon affordability.

    Sheikh Abdulrahman Yusuf, a prominent Islamic cleric based in Ibadan, emphasised that religious duties should not cause undue hardship.

    “Islam is a religion of ease. If a person cannot afford a ram, there is no sin in not performing the sacrifice. Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity,” Sheikh Yusuf said. “However, those who are able should still strive to observe this sunnah, even if it means purchasing a smaller animal or sharing with others.”

    Insecurity and Logistics Disrupt Livestock Supply Chains

    Beyond economic factors, insecurity has emerged as a critical disruptor of livestock supply chains in Nigeria. Traders interviewed by Sele Media Africa said cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnappings along major highways — particularly the routes connecting northern livestock-producing states to southern markets — have made transportation increasingly dangerous and expensive.

    Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, a livestock transporter who regularly moves rams from Katsina to Ibadan, described the risks involved.

    “We travel with armed security now because bandits attack trucks carrying livestock. They steal the animals and sometimes kidnap the drivers for ransom. The cost of hiring security adds at least 50,000 naira to each trip,” Abdullahi said. “Some of my colleagues have stopped making the journey altogether because it is too dangerous.”

    The security challenges have reduced the volume of livestock reaching southern markets, creating a supply shortage that further drives up prices. According to the Nigerian Livestock Dealers Association, the number of rams transported from northern states to Oyo markets has dropped by approximately 30 percent compared to the same period last year.

    Government Response and Policy Gaps

    The Oyo State Government has acknowledged the concerns of residents but has not announced any specific interventions to address the price surge. In a statement issued earlier this week, the state Ministry of Agriculture described the situation as a national challenge requiring federal-level solutions.

    “The rising cost of rams is a reflection of the broader economic and security challenges facing the country. While the Oyo State Government is exploring ways to support livestock traders and ease the burden on residents, we urge the federal government to address the root causes of inflation and insecurity,” the statement read.

    Critics, however, argue that state governments can do more, including providing temporary subsidies for livestock transportation, establishing secure holding facilities for traders, and collaborating with federal security agencies to protect trade routes.

    Mr. Olusegun Adegoke, an economist at the University of Ibadan, said the situation highlights the interconnectedness of Nigeria’s economic and security crises.

    “The price of rams is not just about supply and demand. It is a symptom of deeper structural problems — inflation, currency devaluation, insecurity, and poor infrastructure. Until these are addressed, Nigerians will continue to feel the pain during every festive season,” Adegoke said.

    Pan-African Context: A Shared Challenge Across the Continent

    Nigeria is not alone in facing the challenge of rising livestock prices ahead of Eid-el-Kabir. Similar reports have emerged from other African nations, including Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Sudan, where inflation, climate change, and conflict have disrupted agricultural and livestock production.

    In Senegal, the government has announced subsidies for ram purchases to help low-income families observe the sacrifice. In Mali, livestock traders have called for improved security along trans-Saharan trade routes. These parallel experiences underscore the need for regional cooperation on food security, livestock trade, and economic resilience.

    For Oyo Muslims, the struggle to afford a ram is a microcosm of a larger continental challenge — one that demands coordinated policy responses and long-term investment in agricultural value chains.

    What Happens Next

    As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, scheduled for late June 2026, many families in Oyo are making difficult decisions. Some are pooling resources with extended family members to purchase a single ram. Others are exploring alternatives, such as purchasing goats or sheep, which are comparatively less expensive. A growing number are simply opting out of the sacrifice altogether.

    Livestock traders, meanwhile, are bracing for reduced sales volumes and potential losses if demand continues to decline. The Nigerian Livestock Dealers Association has called for an emergency meeting with federal and state authorities to discuss interventions before the festival.

    For now, the mood across Oyo’s markets is one of resignation and resilience — a reflection of a people accustomed to navigating economic hardship while holding fast to their faith.

    SOURCES

    • Alhaji Ganiyu Adebayo, livestock dealer, Bodija market, Ibadan
    • Mrs. Khadijat Olaniyi, civil servant and resident of Ibadan
    • Sheikh Abdulrahman Yusuf, Islamic scholar, Ibadan
    • Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, livestock transporter, Katsina to Ibadan route
    • Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, official statement
    • Mr. Olusegun Adegoke, economist, University of Ibadan
    • Nigerian Livestock Dealers Association
    • Punch Newspapers, Vanguard News, The Nation Newspaper (background reports)

  • A Decade of Waiting, A Grave Without a Child: Oyo Teacher’s Beheading Leaves a Family and Community in Anguish!

    A Decade of Waiting, A Grave Without a Child: Oyo Teacher’s Beheading Leaves a Family and Community in Anguish!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Editor-in-Chief at Sele Media Africa

    IBADAN, Nigeria — For ten years, they waited. Friends and family recall the quiet hope that filled the home of Mr. Adewale and his wife, a dedicated primary school teacher in Oyo State. Each anniversary was a silent prayer for a child who never came. Now, those prayers have been replaced by a different, more desperate plea: for justice. The teacher, whose name is being withheld by family pending formal police confirmation, was brutally murdered last week, her body discovered in a shallow grave on the outskirts of Oyo town. She was 42 years old, and she died childless.

    Her husband, Adewale, a soft-spoken mechanic, now sits in their modest living room, surrounded by the ghosts of a future that will never be. “We had a plan,” he whispers, his voice cracking. “After ten years, we were going to see a specialist in Ibadan. She was so hopeful. She said, ‘This year, God will remember us.’ Now, I am planning a funeral instead of a baby shower.”

    The killing has sent shockwaves through Oyo State, transforming a personal tragedy into a public outcry. It is a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity that has turned daily life for millions of Nigerians into a gamble, and it has shone a harsh light on the vulnerability of those who serve the nation’s future: its teachers.

    A Life Dedicated to the Classroom

    The victim was not just any teacher. Colleagues at the LGEA Primary School in Awe, a rural community 30 kilometres from Oyo town, describe her as the heart of the institution. She taught Primary 5 and 6, specialising in mathematics and basic science, subjects that many students feared but she made them love.

    “She was the one who stayed back after school to help the slow learners,” said Mrs. Folashade Bamidele, the school’s headmistress, wiping tears from her eyes. “She didn’t have children of her own, but she treated every one of these pupils like her own. She would buy biscuits and sweets with her own money for children who came to school hungry. She believed that education was the only way out of poverty.”

    On the day she disappeared, a Tuesday, she had left school at her usual time, 3:00 PM. She was last seen boarding a commercial motorcycle, a common mode of transport in the area, heading toward the main market to buy groceries. When she did not return home by 8:00 PM, her husband began a frantic search. Her body was found two days later by a local farmer, her head severed from her body.

    The Community Reels: Fear and Defiance

    The discovery of the body has plunged the Awe community into a state of terror and grief. The school, once a hub of laughter and learning, is now a place of mourning. Attendance has dropped by nearly 40 percent, as parents are too afraid to let their children walk the dusty roads to school.

    “We are scared,” admitted Alhaji Ganiyu Ogunlade, the 68-year-old village head of Awe. “This is not the Awe I grew up in. We used to leave our doors open. Now, we lock ourselves in by 6 PM. A teacher, a woman who was a mother to our children, has been killed. If they can do this to her, who is safe?”

    The community impact is profound. The killing has exposed a deep fault line in rural security. The nearest police station is 15 kilometres away in Oyo town, and response times are notoriously slow. Residents have resorted to forming local vigilante groups, but they are armed with nothing more than sticks and cutlasses.

    “The government has failed us,” declared Mr. Kunle Adeyemo, a father of three whose children were taught by the slain teacher. “We pay our taxes. We vote. But we are left to defend ourselves against armed criminals. This teacher was a symbol of peace and progress. Her death is a stain on the conscience of this state.”

    The Unanswered Question: Why?

    Investigations are ongoing, but authorities have yet to make any arrests. The Oyo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed that a manhunt is underway. “We are pursuing several leads,” Osifeso stated. “We assure the public that we will bring the perpetrators to justice. We are also appealing to anyone with information to come forward.”

    However, the slow pace of the investigation has fuelled speculation and frustration. Some residents whisper about a suspected cult-related attack, while others believe it was a botched robbery. The husband, Adewale, is haunted by a more chilling theory. “She had no enemies,” he said. “She was a peaceful woman. But she was also a witness. A few weeks ago, she told me she saw something she shouldn’t have near the school. She didn’t tell me what it was. She said she was afraid. I should have asked more questions. I should have protected her.”

    A Pan-African Crisis

    The killing of a teacher in Oyo is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader, alarming trend across Nigeria and the African continent where educators are increasingly becoming targets of violence. From the abduction of schoolchildren in Kaduna and Zamfara to the targeted assassinations of teachers in conflict zones in the Sahel, the classroom is no longer a sanctuary.

    According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, Nigeria recorded over 1,000 attacks on education between 2020 and 2025, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of teachers and students. The Oyo killing adds another name to this grim list.

    “This is a direct attack on the future of Africa,” said Dr. Amina Salihu, a security analyst based in Abuja. “When a teacher is killed with impunity, the message is clear: the state cannot protect its citizens, and the pursuit of knowledge is a dangerous path. This has a chilling effect on the entire education system. It discourages young people from becoming teachers and forces parents to withdraw their children from school.”

    The tragedy in Oyo is a microcosm of a continental challenge. It underscores the urgent need for African governments to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete security measures to protect rural communities and the essential workers within them.

    A Legacy of Love and Loss

    Back in the Adewale home, the silence is deafening. The couple’s wedding photograph hangs on the wall, a portrait of joy from a decade ago. The house is neat but sparse, lacking the toys and schoolbooks that should fill a home after 10 years of marriage.

    “She wanted a child so badly,” Adewale said, his voice barely a whisper. “She would pray every night. She would buy baby clothes and keep them in a box, waiting for the day she could use them. I told her to stop, that it was tempting fate. She just smiled and said, ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for.’”

    That box of baby clothes remains unopened. It sits on a shelf in their bedroom, a silent testament to a dream deferred and a life cut brutally short. As the sun sets over Oyo, the family, the community, and a nation are left to grapple with a profound question: In a land where a teacher can be killed for simply going home, what hope is there for the children she left behind?

    The family has called for a full and transparent investigation. They have also appealed to the public to help them give their daughter a dignified burial. “We want justice,” her father, Pa Joseph Adepoju, said, his voice trembling with rage and sorrow. “But more than that, we want the world to know her name. She was a daughter. She was a wife. She was a teacher. She was a good person. And she is gone.”

    SOURCES

    • Mr. Adewale (husband of the deceased) — personal interview, May 19, 2026
    • Mrs. Folashade Bamidele (Headmistress, LGEA Primary School, Awe) — personal interview, May 19, 2026
    • Alhaji Ganiyu Ogunlade (Village Head of Awe) — personal interview, May 19, 2026
    • Mr. Kunle Adeyemo (Parent and community member) — personal interview, May 19, 2026
    • CSP Adewale Osifeso (Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Police Command) — press statement, May 20, 2026
    • Dr. Amina Salihu (Security Analyst) — telephone interview, May 20, 2026
    • Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (2020–2025 report data)

  • Oyo Teacher’s Killing: Prioritising Citizen Security Over 2027 Political Ambitions, ADC Aspirant Warns!

    Oyo Teacher’s Killing: Prioritising Citizen Security Over 2027 Political Ambitions, ADC Aspirant Warns!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    IBADAN, Nigeria— The brutal killing of a teacher in Oyo State has ignited a fierce debate about Nigeria’s escalating security crisis, with a governorship aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, declaring that protecting Nigerian lives must take precedence over political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Salaam’s condemnation, delivered in a statement released to journalists on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, came hours after news of the teacher’s murder spread across Oyo State, triggering widespread outrage and grief. The incident, which occurred in the Akinyele Local Government Area, has become the latest flashpoint in a growing national conversation about the safety of educators and ordinary citizens in a country grappling with multiple security threats.

    The Killing and Immediate Response

    Details emerging from local authorities indicate that the deceased, whose name has been withheld pending family notification, was attacked while returning home from a community school in the Akinyele region. Preliminary police reports suggest the assailants, believed to be part of a criminal gang, intercepted the teacher, demanded money, and subsequently carried out the fatal assault when the victim resisted.

    The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation has been launched and that a manhunt for the perpetrators is underway. “We have deployed tactical teams to the area. We are determined to bring those responsible to justice,” a police spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media.

    The killing has sent shockwaves through the local community, with colleagues and students describing the deceased as a dedicated educator who had served in the area for over a decade. Civil society groups in Ibadan, the state capital, have scheduled a solidarity march for Thursday, demanding immediate security interventions.

    ADC Aspirant’s Condemnation and Call for Action

    Najeem Salaam, a prominent ADC aspirant for the Oyo State governorship, did not mince words in his response. He described the murder as a “painful and unacceptable reflection of the deepening security crisis that has turned Nigerian communities into killing fields.”

    “While politicians are busy calculating their chances for 2027, a teacher—a builder of our nation’s future—has been brutally murdered. This is a stark reminder that the protection of lives and property must be the absolute priority, not the distribution of political patronage or the plotting of electoral strategies,” Salaam said in his statement.

    Salaam specifically called for a three-pronged approach to address the crisis: strengthening intelligence gathering at the grassroots level, overhauling community policing frameworks, and ensuring swift, transparent justice delivery. He warned against the dangerous trend of politicising insecurity, arguing that it undermines public trust and emboldens criminal elements.

    “The government cannot afford to treat this as a routine crime. Every teacher killed, every farmer abducted, every trader attacked is a failure of the state’s primary responsibility. We need a security architecture that works for the people, not one that is used as a political tool during election seasons,” he added.

    Security and Conflict: A Worsening National Crisis

    This incident in Oyo State is not isolated. It is part of a broader, deeply troubling pattern of violence targeting educators and civilians across Nigeria. According to data compiled by security analysts, attacks on schools and teachers have increased by over 40 percent in the last two years, driven by a combination of banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and communal conflicts.

    In the North-West, bandits have repeatedly targeted schools, abducting students and staff for ransom. In the North-East, the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgency continue to pose a threat. In the South-West, where Oyo State is located, the security challenge has evolved from isolated incidents to a more systemic problem involving criminal gangs operating with relative impunity.

    Security expert and conflict analyst Dr. Idayat Hassan, speaking to Sele Media Africa, noted that the killing in Oyo State exposes critical weaknesses in local security coordination. “The response to these incidents is often reactive rather than preventive. There is a clear gap between intelligence gathering and actionable deployment of security forces. Community policing, which was supposed to bridge this gap, has largely failed due to lack of funding, political will, and proper training,” Dr. Hassan explained.

    The Pan-African dimension of this crisis is significant. Across the continent, from Kenya to South Africa, from the Sahel to the Great Lakes region, the safety of educators is a bellwether for overall security. When teachers become targets, the fabric of society is torn. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 prioritises peace and security as essential for development, but incidents like the Oyo killing demonstrate how far many nations remain from achieving this goal.

    Political Reactions and the 2027 Election Shadow

    Salaam’s remarks have drawn both support and criticism. Some political analysts view his statement as a calculated move to position himself as a security-focused candidate ahead of the 2027 primaries. Others, however, see it as a genuine expression of frustration shared by many Nigerians.

    “The 2027 elections are already casting a long shadow over governance,” said political commentator and journalist Yemi Ogunbiyi. “Every security incident is now viewed through a political lens. The challenge for aspirants like Salaam is to demonstrate that their concern for security is not just a campaign slogan but a concrete policy commitment.”

    The Oyo State government has yet to issue a formal statement on Salaam’s comments, but a senior official in the governor’s office, speaking privately, acknowledged that the administration is under pressure. “We are doing everything we can with the resources available. But the security challenges are complex and require federal support,” the official said.

    Calls for Security Reforms Intensify

    Civil society organisations have seized on the killing to renew their demands for comprehensive security sector reform. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has called for the immediate deployment of security personnel to schools in high-risk areas, while human rights groups are demanding accountability for security failures.

    “This is not just about one teacher. It is about a system that has failed to protect its citizens,” said Aisha Yesufu, a prominent activist. “We need a complete overhaul of our security apparatus, from intelligence to policing to the judiciary. And we need it now, not after the 2027 elections.”

    What Happens Next

    The Oyo State Police Command has promised to provide updates on the investigation within 48 hours. Meanwhile, community leaders in Akinyele are organising local vigilante groups to patrol high-risk areas, a move that highlights both the desperation of citizens and the failure of formal security structures.

    For Najeem Salaam and other aspirants, the challenge is clear: translate outrage into actionable policy proposals. The 2027 elections are still 18 months away, but for the family of the murdered teacher and for millions of Nigerians living in fear, the need for security is immediate and non-negotiable.

    As one resident of Akinyele put it, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals: “We don’t care about 2027. We care about being alive tomorrow.”

    SOURCES

    • Channels Television
    • Punch Newspaper
    • Vanguard Nigeria
    • Daily Trust
    • Premium Times
    • Oyo State Police Command (anonymous briefing)
    • Dr. Idayat Hassan, Security and Conflict Analyst
    • Yemi Ogunbiyi, Political Commentator
    • Aisha Yesufu, Civil Society Activist
    • Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT)
    • Community leaders in Akinyele Local Government Area

  • Oyo School Attack: 12-Year-Old Survivor Recounts Teacher’s Flight as Gunmen Storm Classroom!

    Oyo School Attack: 12-Year-Old Survivor Recounts Teacher’s Flight as Gunmen Storm Classroom!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Editor-in-Chief at Sele Media Africa.

    IBADAN, Nigeria— A 12-year-old survivor of the armed assault on a school in Oyo State has alleged that a teacher abandoned students and fled for safety as gunmen stormed the premises, leaving pupils to fend for themselves in a harrowing escape. The child, who spoke to local journalists from a hospital bed, said he hid in nearby bushes until evening before emerging to seek help, a testimony that has deepened public outrage over the collapse of security protocols in Nigeria’s educational institutions.

    The attack, which occurred on the outskirts of Ibadan, Oyo State, has reignited a national conversation about the vulnerability of schools to armed banditry and kidnapping, known locally as “school terrorism.” Parents, education advocates, and civil society groups are demanding immediate government action, while security agencies have launched an investigation to track down the perpetrators. The incident adds to a grim pattern of assaults on learning centres across Nigeria, despite repeated official assurances that school safety remains a top priority.

    The Survivor’s Account

    The 12-year-old survivor, whose identity has been withheld for safety, provided a chilling account of the chaos that unfolded. “I was in class when we heard gunshots. The teacher ran out first. Everyone started screaming and running. I fell and crawled under a desk, then I ran out the back door,” the child told reporters. “I hid in the bush until evening. I was too scared to move. I only came out when I heard people calling my name.”

    The allegation that a teacher fled without assisting students has sparked particular anger. Education unions in Oyo State have called for an immediate investigation into the conduct of school staff during the attack, though they caution against generalising based on one account. “Every life is precious. If a teacher abandoned students, that is a serious breach of duty and trust,” said Kunle Oladipo, chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). “We await a full investigation.”

    Renewed Insecurity in Nigeria’s Schools

    The attack in Oyo State is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting schools across Nigeria, particularly in the northwest and north-central regions, where armed groups have kidnapped hundreds of students for ransom in recent years. While the south-west, including Oyo State, has been relatively spared from mass abductions, the incident underscores the expanding geographic reach of school insecurity.

    According to data from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), at least 1,500 students have been abducted from schools in Nigeria since 2020, with many attacks occurring in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Niger. The Oyo attack, however, marks a worrying development for the south-west, a region previously considered a relative haven from such violence.

    Security analysts note that the attackers in Oyo State appeared to be armed robbers or local bandits rather than the large-scale kidnapping networks seen in the north. Nonetheless, the psychological impact on students, teachers, and parents is severe. “Every attack on a school is an attack on the future of this nation,” said Fatima Suleiman, a child protection specialist with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Nigeria. “Children must be safe to learn. This incident is a stark reminder that no region is immune.”

    Investigation and Security Response

    Authorities in Oyo State have confirmed that an investigation is underway. The state Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat, stated that security agencies are working with community leaders and local vigilante groups to track down the attackers. “We have deployed tactical teams to the area. We are following leads, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” Hamzat said in a statement.

    The Oyo State Government has also announced the deployment of additional security personnel to schools across the state, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas. Governor Seyi Makinde directed the Ministry of Education to conduct an immediate audit of security infrastructure in all public schools, including fencing, guard deployment, and emergency response plans.

    However, critics argue that such measures are reactive and insufficient. “We have seen these promises before. After every attack, there is a flurry of activity, then nothing changes,” said Adebayo Ogunleye, a parent whose child attends a school in the affected area. “We need permanent solutions, not temporary patches.”

    Pan-African Significance: A Continent-Wide Crisis

    The attack in Oyo State is not an isolated incident but part of a broader crisis affecting educational institutions across Africa. In recent years, armed groups in countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have targeted schools, abducting students and teachers, and destroying educational infrastructure.

    According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), Africa accounted for more than 40 percent of all reported attacks on schools worldwide between 2020 and 2025. The continent also recorded the highest number of abductions of students and teachers during the same period. In Nigeria alone, the abduction of over 300 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014 remains a defining symbol of the crisis.

    The Oyo incident underscores the urgent need for a coordinated Pan-African response to protect schools from armed violence. The African Union’s Safe Schools Declaration, which Nigeria has endorsed, commits signatories to protect education during armed conflict and to ensure that schools are not used for military purposes. Yet implementation remains weak across the continent.

    “This is not just a Nigerian problem. It is an African problem,” said Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Nigerian finance minister and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, in a recent address on education security. “We must treat attacks on schools as what they are — a violation of international law and a crime against humanity.”

    What Happens Next

    The Oyo State Government has promised a full report within two weeks, with the possibility of prosecuting any school staff found to have abandoned their duties during the attack. Security agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

    For the 12-year-old survivor, the road to recovery is just beginning. “I don’t want to go back to school,” the child told reporters. “I’m scared. What if they come back?”

    The statement is a stark reminder that for many Nigerian children, the right to education has become a matter of life and death.

    SOURCES

    • Punch Newspapers
    • Channels Television
    • BBC News Africa
    • Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
    • Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)
    • United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
    • Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA)

  • Six LAUTECH Nursing Students Die in Tragic Road Accident En Route to Final Exams!

    Six LAUTECH Nursing Students Die in Tragic Road Accident En Route to Final Exams!

    Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

    In a heartbreaking blow to Nigeria’s nursing community, six final-year students of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Bachelor of Nursing Science programme at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology lost their lives in a fatal road accident on Sunday evening.

    The victims, all 500-level students who were balancing professional hospital duties alongside their studies, were travelling to the university’s main campus in Ogbomoso, Oyo State to sit for their final examinations when tragedy struck on the Suleja Abuja Expressway. Reports confirm that one of the deceased was heavily pregnant, amplifying the grief and shock surrounding the incident.

    Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of the victims have been deposited in a mortuary as investigations and further procedures are underway. Details regarding the cause of the accident are still being verified by traffic and emergency officials.

    This incident has sparked national conversations about road safety, the welfare of student nurses who often juggle clinical duties and academic responsibilities, and the urgent need for infrastructural improvements along high-risk highways. Colleagues, friends, and the wider academic community have expressed profound sorrow, emphasising the immense loss to both families and the healthcare sector.

    Sources: Premium Times, The Nation, Vanguard, Channels TV

  • Six LAUTECH Nursing Students Die in Tragic Road Accident En Route to Final Exams!

    Six LAUTECH Nursing Students Die in Tragic Road Accident En Route to Final Exams!

    Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

    In a heartbreaking blow to Nigeria’s nursing community, six final-year students of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Bachelor of Nursing Science programme at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology lost their lives in a fatal road accident on Sunday evening.

    The victims, all 500-level students who were balancing professional hospital duties alongside their studies, were travelling to the university’s main campus in Ogbomoso, Oyo State to sit for their final examinations when tragedy struck on the Suleja Abuja Expressway. Reports confirm that one of the deceased was heavily pregnant, amplifying the grief and shock surrounding the incident.

    Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of the victims have been deposited in a mortuary as investigations and further procedures are underway. Details regarding the cause of the accident are still being verified by traffic and emergency officials.

    This incident has sparked national conversations about road safety, the welfare of student nurses who often juggle clinical duties and academic responsibilities, and the urgent need for infrastructural improvements along high-risk highways. Colleagues, friends, and the wider academic community have expressed profound sorrow, emphasising the immense loss to both families and the healthcare sector.

    Sources: Premium Times, The Nation, Vanguard, Channels TV