The funeral service for Sabainah Opawole, mother-in-law of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, was briefly interrupted on Friday when supporters of rival governorship hopefuls turned the solemn occasion into a venue for political posturing. The incident occurred at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta as supporters of PDP candidate Oladipupo Adebutu and APC senator Solomon Adeola (popularly known as Yayi) engaged in competing chants for the 2027 governorship race.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A Call for Decorum The chanting began shortly after Adebutu was invited to pay his respects to the deceased, prompting an immediate response from Adeola’s supporters. Disturbed by the display, former Governor Daniel intervened to address the congregation, reminding those in attendance that the event was a funeral, not a political rally. He urged the supporters to respect the sanctity of the church and refrain from conduct that would distract the mourners.

Reassurance of Peace Despite the disruption, which Daniel noted had unsettled the officiating pastors, the former governor remained optimistic about the state’s political climate. He assured the clergy that political rivalry in Ogun State is managed with maturity and is devoid of violence.

To further demonstrate that there was no personal animosity between the rivals, Daniel invited Governor Dapo Abiodun to lead both Adebutu and Adeola to the dance floor, signaling that they remain part of a single political family despite their party differences. Daniel also noted that, while the identity of the next governor remains unknown, the competition would proceed without physical conflict.

Honoring the Matriarch The service was attended by numerous dignitaries, including representatives for former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, as well as the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.

Tributes were paid to the late Sabainah Opawole, who was celebrated as an accomplished entrepreneur, a devout Christian, and a woman of exceptional grace and faith. Former President Obasanjo praised her legacy of love and unity, while Governor Abiodun highlighted her disciplined leadership, qualities he noted were clearly reflected in her children. The service concluded with a sermon by Rev. John Eyinnaya, who urged the congregation to embrace the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life.

The family of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old nurse who passed away on June 27, has formally requested that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, intervene to expedite the release of her body for burial. The appeal was presented on Friday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja by the family’s legal representative, Kaile Yusuf, who was joined by the deceased’s grieving relatives and colleagues.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Olatunde Olutuye Zaccheaus, a school counsellor abducted during a raid in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area, has shared his traumatic experience after spending 56 days in captivity. As both the last person seized by the gunmen and the final victim to be released, Zaccheaus provided a detailed, emotional account during an interview on Nigeria Info’s Morning Crossfire program. The circumstances surrounding the victims’ release—whether it was the result of a security operation or negotiations—remain a subject of public debate.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Zaccheaus recalled that the assault began with the sudden sound of motorcycles, followed immediately by sporadic gunfire. As panic erupted, students raised the alarm, shouting, “Bandits, bandits, bandits” as the attackers breached the school grounds.

In a desperate bid to escape, Zaccheaus attempted to jump through a window, but the landing severely aggravated an existing arthritic condition in his left leg, leaving him unable to walk. Urging his students to save themselves, he hid in thick vegetation, attempting to camouflage himself with leaves. However, his location was discovered after a student, who refused to leave his side, inadvertently signaled his position to the gang’s commander. The commander, who had been masked, revealed his face and ordered the teacher to stand up, marking the beginning of his 56-day captivity.

Life in Captivity While in the forest, the victims were subjected to strict rules. Although the kidnappers spoke Yoruba, English, and other languages, Zaccheaus noted they did not appear to be of Yoruba origin. The captors also imposed restrictions on religious practices, forbidding the victims from praying aloud or invoking the name of Jesus. Curiously, the teacher noted that a medication provided by his captors offered unexpected relief for his chronic arthritis, allowing him to regain his mobility.

The Release Zaccheaus described a surreal shift in his captors’ demeanor on the day of their release. The gunmen, who had kept the victims chained and blindfolded, suddenly began laughing and smiling, telling the captives to thank God for their freedom. The release was momentarily complicated when the key to Zaccheaus’s handcuffs broke, leading to a frightening moment where one captor suggested amputating his hand before others intervened to release him with a rope instead.

After being abandoned in the forest, a disoriented Zaccheaus was briefly called back at gunpoint by the group’s leader—whom he identified as an ISWAP member—and directed toward the path taken by the other victims. The group eventually trekked for an hour to reach motorcycles, followed by another 90-minute walk to reach government security personnel.

While expressing gratitude for the state government’s involvement, Zaccheaus characterized their survival as a miracle of divine intervention and public prayer, noting that the school had never before faced such a targeted abduction.