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“THEY LAUGHED & TOLD US TO THANK GOD”: Oyo Teacher’s Shocking Account Of Terrorist Captivity.
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.
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NBA ELECTION SHOWDOWN: Osigwe Defies AGF, Declares Attorney General Powerless To Stop Polls!.
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has firmly rejected recent calls from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to postpone the association’s national elections. Osigwe asserted that the AGF lacks the legal authority to dictate or alter the NBA’s electoral process, warning that doing so would undermine the independence of the legal profession and breach the association’s constitutional framework.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The controversy stems from the AGF’s advice that the NBA suspend its July 18, 2026, polls, dissolve its current Election Committee, and implement the National Identification Number (NIN) for voter verification. During an interview on Arise News this Friday, Osigwe clarified that while the AGF’s opinions are noted, they are not binding directives. He emphasized that the NBA is governed by its own Constitution, the Legal Practitioners Act, and other established regulatory instruments—none of which grant the AGF power to intervene in the association’s internal affairs.
“Suggesting that he [the AGF] has the power to postpone our elections would imply that the NBA is merely a department under the Office of the Attorney General,” Osigwe stated. He noted that while the Bar is open to considering advice, it cannot comply with “must-do” directives that conflict with its governing laws.
Upholding Constitutional Eligibility and Opposing External Impositions
Osigwe also addressed ongoing debates regarding zoning and consensus candidates. He maintained that the NBA Constitution clearly defines the criteria for presidential aspirants, requiring candidates to be at least 15 years post-call, have served on the National Executive Council for at least two years, and be fully up-to-date with their practice fees and branch dues for the preceding three years.
He rejected attempts by external interest groups to force their preferred candidates upon the association, calling such actions illogical. “They accuse the Bar of various things and turn around to accuse others of trying to impose a candidate, when they are actually the ones imposing a candidate,” he remarked. Osigwe underscored that any member who meets the constitutional requirements is entitled to run for office, regardless of endorsements from external bodies.
Commitment to a Transparent Process
Regarding the upcoming election, the NBA President defended the inclusivity of the race, noting that the presence of a female candidate highlights the association’s commitment to equal opportunity.
To ensure credibility and transparency, Osigwe confirmed that the NBA has invited international and civil society observers—including the EU and Yiaga—to monitor the process. Addressing skeptics who fear electoral malpractice, he insisted that all concerns have been thoroughly addressed to build trust.
“Everything is in place, and the electoral body is ready to conduct it,” Osigwe said. He concluded by urging all aspirants to focus on the polls rather than seeking delays: “Go out there and test your popularity; don’t drag the association down or tarnish people’s images. May the best man or woman win.”
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At the Lagos parallel market, Bureau De Change (BDC) sources reported that the dollar was selling for ₦1425 and buying at ₦1412.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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It is important to note that these figures may fluctuate, and the actual rate you encounter when buying or selling forex can vary from these prices.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Rates
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The CBN rate for the dollar against the naira recorded a high of ₦1382 and a low of ₦1378.
Important Regulatory Note
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel market. The bank has instructed individuals seeking to conduct foreign exchange transactions to utilize their respective banks instead.
Source:
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Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has mourned the passing of Professor Turner Isoun, a former Minister of Science and Technology, honoring him as a distinguished scholar whose legacy in education, science, and national growth remains lasting. Professor Isoun, a renowned expert in veterinary medicine, passed away in Abuja on July 15 at the age of 87.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Governor Diri, through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, highlighted several aspects of the late statesman’s life and career:
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Academic and Public Service Excellence: Governor Diri described Isoun as an intellectual giant whose contributions impacted both academia and the public sector. As the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, he was credited with establishing a strong foundation for the institution.
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Scientific and Technological Leadership: During his tenure as minister from 2000 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Isoun championed significant reforms. He was instrumental in creating the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Galaxy Backbone Plc. Additionally, his leadership was central to Nigeria’s early milestones in space technology, including the launch of satellites like NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.
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Commitment to the Niger Delta: Isoun was deeply involved in the socio-political development of the Niger Delta. He served as the Ijaw National Congress Central Zone Chairman and was a key advocate for the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.
Governor Diri extended his sympathies to the Isoun family, the Odi community, and the broader Ijaw nation, encouraging them to find solace in the professor’s remarkable life of service and dedication to national progress.
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