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 ked 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, 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), 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 urged the Governments at all levels not to relent in their efforts to strengthen security around schools and communities, stressing 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 government and relevant stakeholders to promote safe schools programmes, quality education, expressing confidence that the unfortunate incident would further strengthen collective resolve to protect lives and the future of every Nigerian.

The Companion, in a statement issued by Imam Najeem Jimoh, its National President and Prof Tunde Akanni (Publicity Secretary), said Fajimite’s emergence as the leader of MULAN is a fitting recognition of your unwavering commitment to the legal profession, exemplary integrity, distinguished service to Islam, and consistent contributions to nation-building.

“We are delighted that your colleagues have entrusted you with this important responsibility at this critical time,” the statement said.
“As an esteemed member of The Companion, the new MULAN leader has consistently demonstrated the values of excellence, professionalism, humility, and selfless service, which our association holds dear.
We are confident that under the new leader, MULAN will continue to advance the cause of justice, promote ethical legal practice, strengthen the welfare of Muslim lawyers, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria.
“We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants you abundant wisdom, sound health, courage, and divine guidance as you discharge the responsibilities of your new office. May He bless your tenure with remarkable achievements, lasting impact, and enduring success.
We equally wish you a fruitful and rewarding tenure as President of the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria.”

The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.

As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the Country. These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted.

It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.

The pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families.

The GOC 2 Division wish to on behalf of all the participating agencies most sincerely and respectfully thank and appreciate His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Strategic Guidance, Support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.

The GOC also wishes to once again thank the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde and indeed the good people of the State for their continous support to security agencies especially during the trying period.

The GOC also appreciates the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Hon Minster of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police and the Directors General DSS and NIA as well as Heads of other Security Agencies for their support and for the opportunity to relate directly with all the security agencies to ensure a seamless coordination and execution of the operations.

We sincerely thank the various media houses and indeed the entire Nigeria populace for their support, understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the Nation. We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria.

See pictures from the operation:

MUSWEN, in a statement on Friday night signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas said “This intelligence-led operation, which resulted in the safe return of the victims demonstrates the commitment and capability of our security forces when properly coordinated. We particularly commend the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other collaborating agencies for their professionalism, bravery, and dedication that led to the neutralization or arrest of several kidnappers.

“MUSWEN extended its profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for providing the necessary leadership and support that made this rescue possible. We equally appreciate the Government of Oyo State under Engr Seyi Makinde for their collaboration and sustained efforts throughout this challenging period.”

The Muslim group added that “While we rejoice with the families, communities, and the entire nation over this positive outcome, we mourn the loss of the teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who was killed in captivity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those affected by this traumatic ordeal. We urge the government to ensure the victims receive comprehensive medical care, psychosocial support, and any necessary assistance for their full reintegration.

“This rescue operation sends a strong message to criminal elements and bandits that Nigeria will not tolerate attacks on innocent citizens, especially our children and educators. MUSWEN calls on the Federal and State Governments to sustain this momentum by strengthening school security, enhancing intelligence gathering, and addressing the root causes of insecurity in our region and across the country.

“We appeal to all Nigerians, particularly parents, teachers, and community leaders, to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies in their efforts to safeguard lives and property.

“MUSWEN remains committed to partnering with all stakeholders in promoting peace, unity, and the protection of lives in South West Nigeria and the nation at large.”

Makinde, speaking at meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and leaders of the Allied Peoples Movement in Bauchi, said Oyo State had not experienced a similar school abduction throughout his seven years in office until the incident of May 15.

His statement came hours before the Presidency announced the successful rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.

“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,” Makinde said.

Makinde, who is also the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) said he was partly in Bauchi as part of consultations to select a VP candidate.

He told Bala Mohammed he would have handled the security more differently were he the president.

“This is my very first job in the public space. And I have been on this job for several years and may be two months. The insecurity happened two months ago, May 15. So for several years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo state, ” he said.

Makinde also said it was unfair for anyone to expect him as State Governor to secure the release of the children.

“It is so unbelievable. When Chibok happened, it was the fault of President Jonathan. They went all over the world, and asked Jonathan to bring back the children. But (when) this happened, no, it is the irresponsibility of the state governor and the state government,” he said

Following the rescue, however, Makinde expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the military, the police, the DSS and other security agencies for securing the victims’ freedom.

Describing the development as “a big relief,” the governor said the rescue had brought an end to weeks of anxiety for the affected families and the people of Oyo State after the pupils and teachers were abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, has welcomed the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils, describing their release as a moment of great relief and thanksgiving for the entire education community in the state.

In a statement he personally signed on Friday, Adeniran gave glory to God for preserving the lives of the victims and making their reunion with their families possible after the traumatic ordeal.

He said the development had brought immense joy to families, colleagues, classmates and all those who stood in prayers and hope throughout the period of their captivity.

The OYOSUBEB chairman congratulated teachers, learners, parents, school administrators, education stakeholders and lovers of education across Oyo State, noting that their collective faith, resilience and unwavering hope had been rewarded with the good news of the victims’ release.

Adeniran also expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for their commitment and support throughout the rescue efforts.

He commended the security agencies for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices, saying their courage and patriotism led to the successful rescue of the teachers and pupils.

The OYOSUBEB chairman further thanked religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, media practitioners and other well-meaning Nigerians for supporting the affected families through prayers, advocacy and encouragement during the difficult period.

While celebrating the safe return of the victims, Adeniran called for sustained prayers for lasting peace and security across the country.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of government and stakeholders to ensuring that schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.

“Once again, welcome home, our beloved teachers and pupils. The entire Oyo State education family is delighted to have you back safely,” he said.

The passenger was on a flight from Greece to Germany, France 24 reports when the incident happened.

“His wife held him down for five minutes so he wouldn’t get out,” news outlet Enikos reports Michalis Giannakos, the president of Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Employees in Greece, as saying. “With the help of many passengers, they managed to pull him into the cabin.”

The incident occurred after most of the passengers had fallen asleep, according to a witness. “There was a noise, like a tyre bursting,” the witness told Radio Thessaloniki. “We immediately realized there had been a decompression. There were screams … for a moment, I thought someone had accidentally opened the emergency door. The masks dropped and there was a strong smell,” the woman said.

It was at this moment, the woman said, that the head and shoulders of the passenger were outside the window. “Fortunately, he hadn’t taken off his seat belt,” she told Radio Thessaloniki.

Initially, the passengers didn’t realize what was happening. “We thought we were falling,” a witness claims, Daily Mail reports. As for the injured passengers, the witness said, “He had blood on his head. He fainted several times.”

The man, reported to be a 61-year-old from Serbia by CNN Greece, was hospitalized after the incident with friction burns. Otherwise, the outlet reports, he was said to be in good condition.

The airlines confirmed the incident in an email to New York Post. The outlet reports that a piece of the engine broke off and struck the window, causing it to shatter.

The incident occurred after most of the passengers had fallen asleep, according to a witness. “There was a noise, like a tyre bursting.”
The incident occurred after most of the passengers had fallen asleep, according to a witness. “There was a noise, like a tyre bursting.”

“A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen on Friday morning (10 July) returned to Thessaloniki shortly after take-off when a passenger window dislodged inflight,” an airline spokesperson told the news outlet. “The aircraft landed normally and passengers returned to the terminal. One passenger requested and received medical assistance on the ground in Thessaloniki.”

The incident occurred on flight FR1879, which was operated by Ryanair’s subsidiary Malta Air. Flight Radar data shows that the aircraft departed Thessaloniki at 6:12 a.m. local time and was diverted back to the Greek airport while flying over North Macedonia

President Tinubu praised the heroic efforts of the security agencies, especially the military, the DSS and the police, for working round the clock in the last 56 days to secure the release of the abducted children and their teachers without any collateral damage and for arresting eight of the abductors and neutralising others.

President Tinubu regretted the anguish that the children and their teachers, as well as members of their families and the entire nation, have experienced since the sad occurrence.

For cooperating with the Federal Government in all rescue efforts, President Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government and charged it to ensure adequate security around schools across the state.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them.

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.

“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” the President said.

Tinubu has also directed that the emergency agencies work with the Oyo State Government to provide all necessary medical and relief support to the children and the teachers.

Security sources said the rescue followed security operations coordinated by federal authorities.

Officials said all the victims had been recovered safely through ongoing efforts by security agencies, although details of the operation and the circumstances surrounding the rescue were not immediately disclosed.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the rescue in a post on X.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he said.

Details later…

The announcement was made at a meeting attended by members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), led by its Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinmanand attended by members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), led by the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, announced President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as the APC’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively, for the 2027 election.

The development comes amid months of speculation that President Tinubu might replace Shettima with a northern Christian as his vice-presidential candidate ahead of the election.

In the party’s response, APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, said the occasion marked the formal submission of the duly completed nomination forms of the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

He recalled that Tinubu had earlier emerged the party’s presidential flag bearer through a transparent primary process and urged party members to remain united behind the leadership calling on members to continue supporting the party and praying for Nigeria,

Argungu particularly expressed appreciation to the President for what he described as the positive strides of his administration.

The National Organizing Secretary thereafter presented the names of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima to the party’s National Chairman for onward processing.

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who spoke on behalf of the governors, reaffirmed their unwavering support for the President and the APC leadership.

“We are delighted that this event is coming after a well-organised and thoroughly supervised primary process. We reiterate our commitment to continue supporting President Tinubu and the party,” he said.

Uzodimma pledged the governors’ loyalty to the APC, describing it as a party guided by internal democracy and inclusiveness.

“We will continue to support him in the larger interest of Nigerians and to take the country to greater heights. To the National Working Committee, we reaffirm our support. Together, we are going to deliver victory for President Tinubu and ensure the party wins all elective positions, including the National and State Assemblies,” he added.

APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the event as a reflection of the confidence reposed in President Tinubu by millions of party members.

“Today is a reflection of the wishes of over 12 million members of our party who supported the President’s candidature. We are proud of the support already in the kitty of President Tinubu, and we are convinced that many more Nigerians will vote for him,” he said.

He urged Alhaji Ibrahim Masari to convey a message of confidence to the President.

“Go and tell the leader of our party that our members and Nigerians will vote for him to continue the excellent work he is doing,” he said.

The APC chairman charged party members and supporters to return to their communities and promote the achievements of the Tinubu administration with verifiable facts.

“While others are busy spreading propaganda, let us counter them with facts. Nigerians have seen governance that touches lives across the six geopolitical zones,” he stated.

Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 elections, Yilwatda said the APC remained the only political party with a verified membership register.

“We already have about 12 million verified members. We are going round the country to mobilise support for the President. I am also confident that our governors will compete among themselves to deliver the highest number of votes.

“As a party, we are proud to be presenting the best candidate. There is no shaking at all. Come 2027, our victory is assured,” he declared.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said: “Well, the presidential candidate of the party is President Bola Ahmed gcfr, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our vice presidential candidate is the Vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shetima.”

The Chairperson of the anniversary lecture, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi also said Justice Shoremi has equally confirmed he would be physically present at the event.

Akiyode-Afolabi added that the lecture, themed ‘Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability’ will be delivered by Mr Femi Falana SAN, adding that four intellectuals will be joining him as panelists at the event.

The father of the day commended the editorial board and planning committee of Penpushing Media, owner of online newspaper and television for the foresight and relevance in the media industry

Shoremi is a veteran in the Nigerian judiciary. His legal career spans decades of service, which is well-documented in platforms like Judy Legal Case, beyond his distinguished judicial career, he is an avid and highly active squash player.

In his retirement, he resides in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he is noted for boasting over 50 years in the sport of squash and playing more than 100 matches with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The retired judge is a prominent member and the Chairman of the Registered Trustees of the Abeokuta Sports Club.