The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of pupils and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The media group described the incident as heartbreaking and traumatising, warning that it had deepened fears over worsening insecurity in Oyo State and the wider South-West region.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Publicity Secretary, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP said the abduction was not only a painful attack on the victims’ families and affected communities but also a direct assault on the peace and stability of the region.

The guild lamented that many residents were gradually losing confidence in the safety of their environment, noting that the growing wave of insecurity had continued to inflict fear and psychological trauma on citizens.

According to the group, the continued captivity of the victims further exposes the fragility of Nigeria’s security architecture and underscores the urgent need for more coordinated and proactive responses to insecurity.

“The unfortunate abduction of innocent pupils and teachers in Oriire is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Beyond the immediate pain inflicted on affected families and communities, this incident has heightened anxiety and fear among residents across Oyo State and the South-West,” the statement partly read.

While commending security agencies for ongoing rescue operations, SWEGOP urged the Federal and Oyo State governments not to relent until the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.

The guild also called for stronger collaboration between government and relevant stakeholders capable of supporting rescue efforts, stressing that all necessary resources must be deployed to secure the victims’ freedom.

It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve surveillance across vulnerable communities and adopt preventive measures to forestall future occurrences.

SWEGOP maintained that protecting lives and property remained the foremost responsibility of government, urging authorities to take decisive actions capable of restoring public confidence in the nation’s security system.

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the declaration reflects the government’s respect for the Islamic faith and the spiritual importance of the festival to millions of Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe.

“The Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has declared Wednesday, 27th May and Thursday, 28th May, 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha,” the statement read in part.

The minister congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a festival rooted in sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for humanity. He urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the nation and support ongoing efforts to ensure national peace, security, and prosperity.

“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement added.

The government also wished Muslims a peaceful and joyous celebration while calling for unity, brotherhood, and mutual understanding among Nigerians.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid-el-Kabir or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam and is observed by Muslims worldwide.

Meanwhile, travellers have begun moving across several parts of the country, including Lagos, ahead of the holiday period.

To ensure safety on the roads during the festivities, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara State Sector Command, said it had deployed 950 personnel, including officers, marshals, special marshals, and first responders across the state. Sixteen patrol vehicles, four ambulances, and a 70-tonne tow truck have also been positioned to support traffic management and emergency response during the celebrations.
Motorists were advised to strictly comply with traffic regulations, with the FRSC warning against offences such as speeding, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, overloading, mobile phone use while driving, tyre violations, lane indiscipline, and seatbelt violations.

The Joint Task Force, North-East Operation HADIN KAI, on Monday warned residents of possible attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province during the Eid-El-Kabir celebration, urging heightened vigilance as terrorists may exploit the festive period to target civilians.

The military said intelligence reports indicated the possibility of isolated attacks involving suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices, especially in densely populated areas and crowded public spaces.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, ahead of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration scheduled for Wednesday.

According to the military, troops have been strategically deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across the North-East, while Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets have been activated to prevent any security breach during the festive period.

It added that patrols had been intensified, with security forces working closely with sister agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilance groups to forestall threats and guarantee residents a peaceful celebration.

The statement read, “There are indications of the possibility of isolated attempts by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists to exploit the festive period to carry out attacks against civilians.

“These attacks may employ the use of suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices, particularly in areas of high population concentration.”

The JTF urged residents to conduct Eid prayers and festivities close to their homes and familiar surroundings while avoiding large open gatherings where practicable.

It also advised residents to remain vigilant in crowded locations, including markets, motor parks, banking halls and prayer grounds, and immediately report suspicious persons, unattended objects or unusual movements to the nearest military checkpoint, police station or civil-military liaison office.

The military further called for full cooperation with security personnel during patrols and screening operations, cautioning against unnecessary movement at night or in areas with limited security presence.

It warned members of the public against spreading unverified information or rumours capable of causing panic, urging residents to rely only on verified government and security channels for information.

The Theatre Command also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community stakeholders to mobilise their communities toward timely sharing of credible intelligence before and during the Eid celebration.

“Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations,” the statement added.

Operation HADIN KAI, however, reassured residents of the North-East that troops remained fully prepared and firmly in control of the security situation.

“The Command remains resolute in its determination to deny terrorists any freedom of action and ensure that the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations proceed in an atmosphere of peace, safety and dignity for all,” the military stated.

“The Theatre Command wishes the entire Muslim community a peaceful and rewarding Eid-El-Kabir celebration.”