Davido, Skepta, Spyro and other Nigerian entertainers call out the government over insecurity

 

By Adedeji Adeyanju

British-Nigerian rapper, Skepta, has joined other Nigerian celebrities in calling for improvement and change, highlighting the growing hardship, insecurity, and economic challenges facing the country.

Over the last few months, Nigerians have complained about the high cost of living and rising insecurity in the country. The conversations grew louder following the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted by terrorists, with one of the teachers later killed. The attack sparked outrage across the country and led many public figures to speak up about the state of the nation.

Even Children’s Day on May 27 was overshadowed by sadness, as many Nigerians could not fully celebrate knowing that some of the children who should have been marking the occasion were instead being held captive by kidnappers, facing uncertainty and suffering.

Using his official X account, Skepta called out President Tinubu over what he described as incompetence. “How much suffering is enough? @officialABAT,“ he wrote.

The rapper also encouraged Nigerian youths not to give up despite the challenges confronting the nation. “Nigerians are smart, skillful, teachers, artists, scientists and much more. The future is in the hands of the youth, don’t stop pushing!”

After a critic suggested he was only speaking out because he is from Oyo State and not because he genuinely cares about Nigeria, Skepta responded:

“I am a British, Nigerian yes but I’ve always cared about Nigeria and anybody that has followed my career can vouch for that. I have houses in Nigeria, I want to take my kids home to a safe country just like we travel the rest of the world. Why should I not speak up about what is happening in my homeland?”

Afrobeats superstar Davido also expressed his heartbreak over the situation in the country, particularly following reports of the kidnapping incident. “I’m weak, God pls take control we can’t continue like this ….. my heart goes out to the victims and family .. this is messed up.”

The singer further admitted that entertainers in Nigeria, including himself, have not done enough to use their voices to address the country’s problems. “I can’t lie we entertainers . we Dey fuckup I won’t lie including me … we need to speak up … it’s too much injustice goin on . our country don go,” he wrote

Mavo also reacted to the state of affairs in the country, criticising those in power and revealing how wicked the people in power are. “The wickedness of our government is underrated.”

Borno residents slam FG’s silence over 42 abducted students

 

By Isah Ojo

Residents of Borno State have expressed concern over the federal government’s silence since the abduction of 42 primary and junior secondary school students in Mussa community, Askira Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The residents noted that the government had prioritised a similar incident in Oyo State, where pupils and teachers were kidnapped, while downplaying the abduction in the state.

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent on Monday, the Chairman of the Network of Civil Society Organisations in the state, Abubakar Suleiman, said the federal government is not fair to the victims of both incidents.

He said, “The federal government visited Oyo State with a high-powered delegation, including the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defense, Chief of Staff to the President, among others, with a helicopter and landed at the local government where the abduction took place.

“In the case of Borno, around 416 people were kidnapped in Ngoshe on the 3rd of May. There has not been any federal government intervention. We also had another incident on the 16 of May; 42 students were kidnapped in Askira Uba. There was no federal government delegation. This doesn’t demonstrate that the federal government is treating victims equally,” Suleiman added.

He, however, called on the government to intensify search and rescue operations for all the victims in captivity.

“Our call is for the government to intensify the search, to come and interact with parents and assure them that their children will be united with them as soon as possible. They should also provide us with updates on the issue and let us know when the children are coming back,” Suleiman added.

A Prominent Political Analyst in the state, Abubakar Kareto, also echoed similar sentiments while condemning the attacks.

He said, “Both abductions of the 42 pupils from the Mussa community in Askira Uba, Borno State, taken by Boko Haram insurgents, and the Oriire in Oyo State, where 46 students and teachers were taken, are heartbreaking reminders that rural schools remain highly vulnerable soft targets and are exposing how unsafe it is to send kids to school in Nigeria.

He said that, however, a visible and unsettling imbalance exists in how the federal government responded to these two attacks, for vindication.

“The Oyo State attack also occurred on the very day that of Askira Uba. While the government launched a rapid, high-profile response to the Oyo incident, including a federal visit led by the Chief of Staff and accompanied by the National Security Adviser, which also followed with a decision to immediately deploy 1,000 forest guards, the Borno abduction has mostly received standard rhetorical condemnations with no visible energy that can be compared in any way to the Oyo State incident,” he said.

According to him, such an uneven approach will create unease among the neglected communities and clearly signal a tiered security priority, where a mass abduction by a designated terrorist group in the Northeast deserves the same executive urgency and aggressive tactical assets as an attack in any other region.

“Therefore, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the military high command should deploy the exact intensity of kinetic and intelligence resources to safely rescue the Askira Uba children. This will make everyone, not only the victim, feel belonged,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the President of the Borno South Youths Alliance Forum, Samaila Kaigama, urged political leaders in the state to emulate their counterparts in the southwest, particularly in handling issues affecting the populace.

He said that while other leaders across the country are making visible efforts to rescue and protect their people, the Borno State Government and the political powers surrounding it appear more interested in silencing discussion of the challenges facing Southern Borno than in addressing them.

“Governor Zulum, where are our 40-plus Askira Uba children? Is Governor Makinde of Oyo State doing something you ought to have done to get federal intervention?

“Over 40 students were kidnapped, and the only visible effort from those in charge was the presentation of ₦10 million to traditional rulers in Askira Uba. The people are asking: for what exactly? Is it compensation for the pain and suffering the affected families are going through?” he said.

He further noted that the state government is very proactive in deploying military force against protesters in the state.

“However, they were swift enough to deploy battalions of military personnel to a protest ground to prevent the exposure of what many perceive as their undemocratic and nonchalant attitude toward the masses.

“Let the world know and remember: no life is better than another, and no zone in Nigeria is more important than another,” he said.

Ex-England coach Keegan reveals battle with cancer

 

By Gilbert Ekugbe

Former England manager and Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has revealed that he is battling stage four cancer, months after his family disclosed that he had been undergoing treatment for the disease.

As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, the 75-year-old made the revelation during a live appearance in Newcastle, where he received a standing ovation from supporters attending the event.

Keegan explained that doctors discovered the cancer while carrying out scans following a car accident that required surgery.
“I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation,” he told the audience.
“Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer. They said they had an absolute top doctor for fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer.”

The former England captain said he later met with a specialist who discussed a new treatment option with him.

“He said, ‘Kevin, this new treatment, I’ve got a tremendous strike rate’. I said, ‘What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ‘33%.’ I thought it would be 80%, 90%. 33%! I’m still here at the moment,” he said.

Keegan enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, winning numerous honours and twice being named European Footballer of the Year. He later managed Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester City and the England national team.

One of the most influential figures in Newcastle United’s history, Keegan led the club’s famous “Entertainers” side that challenged for the Premier League title in the mid-1990s.
During his appearance, Keegan also expressed his admiration for current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and revealed his desire to return to St James’ Park, having not attended a match there since his departure from the club in 2009.

Following the announcement, Newcastle United issued a statement expressing support for the former player and manager.
“Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters,” the club said.

“Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead.”

Keegan’s family first disclosed in January that he was receiving treatment after doctors conducted further examinations into ongoing abdominal symptoms. Since then, tributes and messages of support have poured in from across the football world for one of England’s most respected football figures.

Nigeria vs Poland – date, time, venue and where to watch

 

By Adegboyega Adeleye

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will continue preparations for future international competitions when they face Poland in an international friendly following their impressive Unity Cup triumph in London.
Eric Chelle’s side heads into the game full of confidence after defeating Jamaica 3-0 on Saturday to retain the Unity Cup title, extending Nigeria’s unbeaten run under the Malian tactician.
The friendly also presents another major European test for both nations after they failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the two sides now beginning preparations for a new cycle ahead of future tournaments.

Nigeria are expected to use the match to further assess Chelle’s evolving squad, with several new faces impressing during the Unity Cup campaign, particularly Femi Azeez before his injury setback.
However, the Super Eagles will be without key stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Chelle confirmed that Osimhen was excused due to issues surrounding his club future, while Lookman was allowed to rest after fatigue concerns following a long season.
Nigeria could still feature experienced names such as Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey, while Poland are expected to parade stars including Robert Lewandowski, Jakub Kiwior and Matty Cash.

Poland head into the fixture after recent defeats to Ukraine and Sweden, increasing pressure on the European side ahead of the clash in Warsaw.

Date, time and venue
The international friendly between Nigeria and Poland will be played on Wednesday, June 3, at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Nigerian time.

Where to watch
Football fans in Nigeria can watch the match live on beIN SPORTS and selected online streaming platforms.

I have approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government. - President Tinubu

 

I have approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government. I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers. The communities’ request for the establishment of a military base in the area is receiving urgent consideration. I share the pain and anxiety of the affected families

Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home. I also extend my deepest condolences to Mrs Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the late school teacher and her family. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his family will not be abandoned’ - President Tinubu

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE AS FG OFFICIALS VISIT OGBOMOSO COMMUNITIES, TINUBU APPROVES 1,000 FOREST GUARDS, DEPLOYS SPECIAL RESCUE TEAM, CONSIDERS MILITARY BASE REQUEST

 

A high-powered Federal Government delegation on Sunday, May 31, 2026, visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.

 

The delegation conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's deep concern over the incident and his commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

 

As part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the area, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government.

 

The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval.

 

In addition, the President has directed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

 

The delegation was led by the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police; Tunji Disu; theMinister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

 

Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President's decision to dispatch the nation's top security leadership to the affected communities reflected his determination to deploy every available resource towards securing the victims' release.

 

"Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely. He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.

 

"Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.

 

"Mr. President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims," he said.

 

The delegation was also at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye to commiserate with him and his people. The delegation also met with the wife of the deceased school Teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun and her two children. Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered the President’s condolences with a promise that the family will not suffer.

 

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

Some players and officials of South Africa senior team no fit travel go Mexico for dia opening World Cup match.

 

According to di South African Football Association (SAFA) dem say dem gatz cancel dia travel plan dis morning sake of visa issues.

Di Bafana Bafana suppose travel go Mexico in preparation for dia opening game, but visa issues no allow dem.

“Di South African senior men national team experience challenges regarding Visas for some players and officials, and as a result di group no fit travel to North America dis morning as originally planned.”

Di football association say dem go work to make sure say di team travel go Mexico as soon as possible so dem go fit play di World Cup opening game on 11 June.

“In di meantime, Bafana Bafana go kontinue to train for Johannesburg until departure.”

Dis year Fifa World Cup go dey hosted by di United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

Credit: @bbcnewspidgin

Oyo NUT declares indefinite strike over abd¥cted Ogbomoso students

 

The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State following the continued captivity of teachers and students k+dnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.

Under the directive, all primary and secondary school teachers across the state are to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the victims are released unconditionally.

The union also ordered all its state chapters nationwide to stage solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, with protests expected to end at various Government Houses across the country.

In a joint statement signed by NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, and Secretary General, Dr. Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union said it was deeply worried over the worsening condition of the victims who have remained in captivity since May 15.

The NUT lamented that despite repeated appeals to authorities and security agencies, there has been no meaningful progress in rescuing the abd¥ctor educators and students.

Tension reportedly increased after reports emerged that some victims may have d+ed in captivity. The union also referenced emotional videos allegedly released from the k+dnappers’ den, showing an abd¥ted school principal and teacher pleading with the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the union, and the public to intervene.

According to the NUT, the tra¥ma faced by the victims, their families, and the education sector made the strike unavoidable.

The union stressed that schools, teachers, and students must never become easy targets for criminals, while demanding urgent action from the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and security agencies.

It added that education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, vowing to continue lawful pressure until all the k+dnapped victims regain their freedom.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that his administration would continue to put in all efforts to ensure the safe return of the teachers and children abducted at Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

 

Governor Seyi Makinde stated this on Saturday at L.A Basic School, Ahoro Esiele, when he paid a visit to the area to commiserate with the families and relatives of the victims.

The governor, who appealed for the understanding and cooperation of the people, also charged them not to put blames on the federal or state government but to join hands together to ensure the successful rescue of the abductees.

Governor Makinde, who sympathized with the people of the community and the affected families, said the incident would be the first time Nigeria would experience abduction involving underage children.

He further noted that while the families and communities are deeply hurt by the incident, he shares in their grief and concern, saying that regardless of the grievances the abductors may have, their actions remain cruel, unacceptable, and inhumane.

Credit: guardiannigeria

I know you are bleeding, I am also bleeding in my heart - Governor Makinde to the families of the abduct£d victim

 

I know you are bleeding, I am also bleeding in my heart. Let us intensify prayers and trust the government. We are doing everything humanly possible to get our children and teachers back. It is an ongoing operation which has security implications. I cannot say so much apart from to encourage you’ - Governor Makinde to the families of the abduct£d victim.