Breaking News
Terrorism: IHRC Raises Concern Over School Attacks in Nigeria Coordinated
The International Human Rights Commission ( IHRC RFT), Nigeria Chapter, has raised serious concerns over the rising wave of student abductions in the country.
According to them, the recent attacks on schools show signs of planning and coordination rather than random incidents.
In a statement signed by its Country Director and Human Rights Advocate, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the commission said the abductions from three different schools within one week clearly point to a pattern, a strategy, and the possibility that some people may be involved behind the scenes.
According to the commission, reports that security personnel were withdrawn from some schools shortly before the attacks, an issue raised publicly by the Governor of Kebbi State suggest a major security gap that must be investigated.
“This cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. There are signs of planning, intentional execution, and a hidden agenda that must be uncovered.”
The commission warned that the attacks violate several global and national laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
It stressed that the right to life, dignity, and access to education are all being infringed upon when schools become targets of organised violence.
The organisation said, “No political, religious, or personal interest can justify harming a child. Nigerians have the right to know the truth about these attacks.”
The commission called on the Federal Government to act immediately, beginning with the urgent rescue of all abducted students.
“We are calling on the President, the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, and intelligence agencies to launch a rescue mission without delay. Time is running out,” the statement read.
IHRC-RFT also demanded an independent investigation into the withdrawal of security officers from affected schools, including who approved it and why.
It urged the government to prosecute anyone found to have aided or benefited from the attacks whether security personnel, politicians, or civilians.
The organisation further called for stronger protection for schools, including the creation of a specialised School Protection Unit, installation of security devices such as CCTV and alarms, and deeper community involvement in reporting suspicious activities.
The commission warned that Nigeria has reached a dangerous point and said the safety of children must become a national priority.
“We cannot continue to watch while our children are turned into bargaining chips. Nigeria is at risk. Our children are not political tools,” the statement said.
It added: “We are tired of explanations, we need action. We are tired of repeated security lapses we need protection. We need our children returned safely, today, not tomorrow.”
Breaking News
Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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