By David Owei

Following the disappearance of five security drones fully paid for under the Oyetola administration, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed his security team to consider the acquisition of new drones for security surveillance in the state.

This decision is an outcome of the series of Marathon security meetings Chaired by the Governor over the last four days.

Government records indicated that Osun state had paid for five security drones under former Governor Oyetola, but none was on ground as of 2022 when Governor Adeleke assumed office.

Another failed contract running to about Three Hundred Million Naira was awarded under the previous government to link the State security communication centre with the Armoured Personnel Carriers.

Sadly, the contract was not executed, and the armoured vehicles were also abandoned in various parts of the state until Governor Adeleke retrieved and refurbished them for deployment.

Reviewing the scenario at the security meetings, the Governor directed actions to secure new drones and other security gadgets to strengthen the state security apparatus.

“We are not interested in what has happened in the past. Our goal is to acquire new drones and other needed equipment and materials for our formal and informal security networks to combat crimes and banditry in this state.

“Once again, I assure the good people of Osun that our government is committed to their safety and security. I urge the public to notify security agencies of any suspicious movement or individuals in their areas, “the Governor noted.

By George Mgbeleke

The Senate on Wednesday at plenary urged the Federal Government to immediately direct all relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted 49 school children, teachers and a toddler by armed kidnappers in Ahoro-Esiele and adjoining communities of Orire.

It also called on the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and improved security deployment around vulnerable schools and communities across the country.

The Red Chamber Condemned the abduction of the school
children, teachers and toddler in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and commiserate with the affected families, communities and the Government of Oyo State.

These resolutions of the Senate followed a motion
Sponsored Senator Buhari Abdulfatai tagged “THE ABDUCTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN, TEACHERS AND A
TODDLER IN ORIIRE LoCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE”

In his submission, Senator Abdulfatai noted with grave alarm and deep national outrage the abduction of
rorty-Nine (49) people comprising school children, teachers and a toddler by armed kidnappers in Ahoro-Esiele and adjoining communities of Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Three (3) were shot, One (1) beheaded, while Forty-Five (45) remain in captivity;

He said that the victims were abducted from a learning environment which ought to symbolize safety, hope and the future of our Nation.

” Deeply disturbed that among those held in captivity is a toddler whose age and vulnerability underscores the cruelty and inhumanity of the
perpetrators;

” Saddened that one of the victims of the brutal attack, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher was beheaded in a gruesome manner and recorded for public to watch. This was a most barbaric act, which has struck fear into the people of the State, and Nigerians at large.

“Concerned that the incident has generated anxiety and public outrage while raising serious concerns about the security of schools and rural communities across the Federation;

Continuing Senator Abdulfatai,”OBSERVES that when schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the
future of the Nation itself is imperiled.

“Oberves the visit of the Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside the National Security Adviser,the Minister of Defence and the Inspector-General of Police, to Oriire Local Government on Sunday, 31st May, 2026 to commiserate with the families of the victims.”

Virtually all senators present at Wednesday plenary supported the motion.

By Our Correspondent

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four men to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left 41 worshippers dead and more than 100 others injured.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Wednesday, holding that the prosecution had successfully established the guilt of the defendants beyond reasonable doubt and proved their membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation linked to the deadly attack.

The convicted men are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25.

The court found them guilty on all five counts bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, membership of a terrorist group and murder.

In his judgment, Justice Nwite said the evidence presented before the court by the prosecution and even aspects of the defence testimony made it clear that the defendants were members of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.

The judge noted that the prosecution’s case remained credible throughout the trial and was not effectively challenged by the defendants.

According to the court, evidence led by the Department of State Services (DSS) established that the four convicts played central roles in planning and executing the attack that shocked the nation and drew widespread international condemnation.

A key aspect of the ruling was the court’s finding on count three of the charge, where Justice Nwite held that the defendants were the masterminds of the attack.

The judge relied on evidence relating to a meeting allegedly held on May 30, 2022, six days before the attack, during which the assault on the church was planned.

He held that the prosecution had sufficiently linked the four men to the meeting and the subsequent execution of the attack, describing the evidence against them as compelling.

However, the court discharged and acquitted the fifth defendant, 47-year-old Momoh Otuho Abubakar.

Justice Nwite ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegation of terrorism financing brought against him under count six of the charge.

The judge consequently freed Abubakar, holding that there was insufficient evidence to sustain a conviction against him.

The June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church remains one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history.

Gunmen invaded the church during a Pentecost Sunday service, opening fire on worshippers and detonating explosive devices as congregants gathered for Mass.

The assault claimed the lives of at least 41 people, including women and children, while more than 100 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The massacre sparked national outrage and prompted a massive security operation that eventually led to the arrest and prosecution of suspects linked to the attack.

With Wednesday’s judgment, the four convicted terrorists are to face the death penalty for their involvement in the massacre, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to secure justice for the victims and their families.