Author: Gabby

The administration of Ogun State has refuted widespread claims circulating online that suggest the region is under imminent threat from herdsmen, Boko Haram militants, and other terror groups. In a formal statement, the government labeled these reports as baseless and pure misinformation.

Speaking through Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the authorities confirmed that intelligence gathered from security agencies shows no credible danger. They emphasized that the state remains calm and secure, urging residents to ignore unfounded rumors intended to cause alarm.

According to Akinmade, security forces are fully alert and have implemented robust measures to thwart any attempts by criminals to disturb the peace. He revealed that some individuals spreading the false alerts have been arrested and are being prosecuted. This action, he noted, should deter others from disseminating fake news that could incite panic.

The government highlighted that Ogun enjoys strong collaboration among law enforcement, local leaders, traditional institutions, and community members. This synergy enhances intelligence sharing and rapid response to any potential threats. The administration is also refining state-specific security strategies that integrate conventional policing with traditional security structures to ensure long-term stability.

Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to protecting lives and property through investments in security infrastructure and technology. Residents are encouraged to rely only on official government communications and verified security sources. They can report concerns via the Gateway Shield toll-free line at 0800 000 9111 or emergency numbers 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

The government reiterated that there is no cause for alarm, as security agencies are working tirelessly to keep Ogun safe. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by providing timely information, as security is a collective responsibility.

Growing unease surrounds the federal government’s approach to recent school kidnappings. This unease stems from the contrasting reactions to attacks in Oyo and Borno states, which have sparked accusations of unequal treatment.

On May 16, armed groups struck schools in Esiele and Yawota communities in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area, taking roughly 46 pupils and teachers. Simultaneously, suspected Boko Haram militants abducted 42 students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Borno State’s Askira/Uba Local Government Area. These twin incidents, occurring within hours, represent some of the year’s most notable school abductions.

However, the government’s response has drawn sharp criticism. In Oyo, President Bola Tinubu swiftly ordered coordinated rescue missions and dispatched a high-powered federal delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and other top officials. The delegation visited Ogbomoso and the affected communities on May 31, conveying presidential concern and promising swift action. As an immediate measure, Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo and deployed a specialized security rescue unit.

In contrast, the Borno abduction has received comparatively muted national attention. Weeks after the attack, 42 students remain in captivity, and residents of Askira/Uba and Southern Borno express deep frustration over what they perceive as neglect. Civil society organizations, including the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Borno State, have publicly decried the disparity. Chairman Abubakar Suleiman noted that no similar high-level delegation has visited Borno, despite its chronic insecurity. Political analyst Abubakar Kareto echoed this, observing that the Oyo incident prompted immediate high-level action, while Borno’s tragedy elicited only routine condemnations. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana urged President Tinubu to extend the same security measures—including forest guard recruitment and a federal delegation—to Borno, emphasizing that all regions deserve equal protection.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Government has visited affected communities and assured residents of ongoing rescue efforts, but fear persists. Security experts argue that while rescues are critical, prevention through intelligence, surveillance, and community-based security must be uniformly implemented across regions facing similar threats.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has formally complained to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, accusing officers from the Enugu State Police Command of misconduct and abuse of authority.

According to DAILY POST, the group claims that law enforcement agents are persecuting local leaders in connection with a land dispute between Ostara Farms Limited and the Okpogho community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State.

RULAAC alleges that police personnel, allegedly acting at the behest of the private firm, are using intimidation tactics against residents over a dispute that is essentially civil in nature.

In a petition dated May 29, 2026, signed by Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organization stated that officers have meddled in an ongoing land litigation, terrorized community members, and leveraged criminal charges to sway a disagreement that is already before multiple courts.

The group explained that the conflict stems from a deal where Ostara Farms Limited purportedly bought roughly 2,000 hectares of communal land from individuals who claimed to represent the community for N50 million.

A large portion of the community has contested the sale, arguing that the agreement was reached under dubious conditions and includes provisions that disproportionately benefit the company.

Several lawsuits regarding ownership and control of the disputed land are currently being heard in Enugu State courts, including case numbers A/24/2025, AWH/41/2022, E/299M/2025, A/58/2025, A/59/2025, A/60/2025, and A/61/2025.

RULAAC expressed concern that police authorities have intensified their involvement in the matter through criminal investigations and prosecutions, despite the pending civil cases.

The organization alleged that criminal accusations stemming from the burning of a company-owned bulldozer by unknown individuals have been used to target vocal critics of the land transaction.

Instead of identifying the actual culprits, the company reportedly provided names of community leaders and opponents of the deal, who were then treated as suspects, the petition stated.

“If these allegations are true, they amount to an abuse of police procedures and a dangerous weaponization of criminal justice to silence dissent, intimidate citizens, and gain an upper hand in a civil matter,” the organization said.

RULAAC also connected the issue to a previous land conflict involving Obeagu Awkunanaw and Amechi Uwani communities and Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA).

The group recalled that concerns regarding police involvement in the PEIWA case had earlier been flagged to the IGP and referred to the Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters.

Additionally, RULAAC referenced findings from the Enugu State House of Assembly’s Special Committee Report on Land Matters and Disputes, which was adopted in December 2024.

The organization urged the IGP to instruct the Police Monitoring Unit to immediately take over all investigations and prosecutions related to the Ostara Farms dispute, probe accusations against certain officers, and review any criminal proceedings that may have been initiated solely for harassment or intimidation.

In a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, RULAAC also called on the IGP to step in regarding two criminal cases before the Federal High Court in Enugu, where police authorities have repeatedly failed to produce defendants for arraignment.

The cases are Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.

According to RULAAC, charges were filed after investigations by the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, indicating that probes were complete and prosecution was ready.

However, the organization lamented that despite the charges being filed, the defendants have consistently not been brought to court for plea-taking, causing significant delays.

The cases were before the Federal High Court on May 20, 2026, where the court reportedly expressed frustration over the prosecution’s inability to present the defendants for plea.

RULAAC warned that continued delays could result in the cases being dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution, eroding public trust in the justice system.

The group urged the IGP to direct the FCID Annex, Enugu, and the FID, Abuja, through the Directorate of Legal Services, to ensure defendants are produced on the next adjourned date of June 18, 2026, and to facilitate diligent prosecution.

RULAAC maintained that its actions are aimed at preserving the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that police powers are used fairly and in line with the rule of law.

As of the time of this report, the police have not issued any public response to the petition.