The apex Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called on governors in the South-West region to urgently address the worsening security situation, following coordinated attacks on three schools in Oyo State. The group strongly condemned the Friday attacks in Oriire Local Council, which targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle; and L.A. Primary School.
Alaafin Urges Federal Government to Strengthen Native Intelligence
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, called on the Federal Government to adopt a more comprehensive approach to intelligence gathering. He emphasized the need to strengthen native intelligence mechanisms to combat growing insecurity. The monarch urged the government to move away from reactive measures and invest in credible intelligence systems capable of identifying threats before they materialize. He also stressed the importance of deploying modern technologies to track criminal suspects and enhancing collaboration with local communities.
Ex-AIG Deplores Homeland Security Office
Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ade Ajakaiye, criticized the creation of a new Homeland Security Office, arguing that it would expand security bureaucracy without addressing fundamental problems. He stated that existing agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, and the Armed Forces already handle internal security. According to him, the major challenge is the weakness of these institutions, not their absence.
Governor and Amnesty React to Pupils' Abduction
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, directed the immediate revitalization of the Safe School Initiative after recent kidnappings in neighboring Oyo State. Amnesty International expressed deep concern over the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren by armed groups in northern and southern Nigeria, urging authorities to rescue victims and secure schools. The group reported that at least 82 schoolchildren were abducted between May 13 and 15, 2026, in separate attacks in Borno and Oyo.
Senate Condemns Abductions, Promises State Police
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele condemned the abduction of 87 students and teachers within 24 hours in Borno and Oyo, despite $30 million raised in 2014 for school security. He called for expedited establishment of state police, currently under consideration at the National Assembly. Bamidele urged strategic measures to make schools safe nationwide and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
Afenifere Expresses Sympathy
Afenifere, through its National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi, expressed deep concern over the attacks and sympathized with victims' families. Leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who recently marked his 100th birthday, was saddened by the incident and prayed for quick recovery of the injured. He hoped the insecurity situation would be decisively addressed.
Alaafin Donates to Rescue Operations
The Alaafin donated cash to support ongoing rescue efforts in the affected communities, including Ahoro-Esinle, Alawusa, Yawota, and Oniya villages. He urged the government to invest in credible intelligence and modern technology to identify and track criminal suspects.
Police Mourn 17 Officers Killed in Yobe Attack
The Nigeria Police Force mourned 17 officers killed in a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, on May 8, 2026. The officers were undergoing specialized training when attackers stormed the facility. Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu described them as courageous and dedicated personnel who demonstrated exceptional patriotism.
