Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Oyo state

  • Oyo police activate high alert after handwritten threat note surfaces in community

    Oyo police activate high alert after handwritten threat note surfaces in community

    The Guardian Nigeria reports that Oyo State Police received intelligence after a handwritten note threatening an attack was allegedly dropped in Ikoyi-Ile, prompting an immediate operational response.

    Police say tactical units were deployed, patrols intensified and stop-and-search operations reinforced, while investigators work to verify the origin and intent of the note.

    Community leaders and residents have been advised to stay calm, report suspicious activity and cooperate with security agencies to prevent panic and misinformation.

    The incident underscores persistent security anxieties around rural communities and the challenge of early-warning systems for potential attacks.

    Echotitbits take: Threat notes can be real—or psychological warfare. The next steps are verification and visible protection. Watch for coordinated security presence and credible intelligence updates, not rumours.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/police-boost-security-in-oyo-community-over-threat-of-bandit-attack/, 10 January 2026

    The Punch 2026-01-10

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Oyo says Bodija intervention N30bn remains untouched while FG balance stays pending

    Oyo says Bodija intervention N30bn remains untouched while FG balance stays pending

    2026-01-02 09:00:00
    In an update published by The Nation, the Oyo State Government says the N30bn released by the Federal Government for Bodija explosion intervention remains in a bank account and has not been accessed while it awaits an outstanding N20bn balance.

    The state’s position is that it kept the funds idle pending full release of the approved package, arguing that proceeding without the remaining tranche could complicate sequencing, accountability and delivery planning.

    The statement also sought to counter political claims around the money, pointing to account details and inviting independent verification through the bank where the funds are domiciled.

    Validation: Punch quoted the state’s claim: “As of Thursday, December 31, 2025, the N30bn remained untouched…” The Guardian similarly reported the fund has “remained untouched” while the “outstanding N20 billion balance” is yet to be released.

    Echotitbits take: The bigger governance question is whether states should wait for “full tranches” or publish phased plans and start transparently. Watch for a costed implementation schedule, procurement framework and independent audit plan—those details will matter more than the political noise.

    Source: The Nation — 2026-01-01 (https://thenationonlineng.net/bodija-explosion-n30bn-in-bank-awaiting-n20bn-balance-from-fg-oyo/)
    The Nation 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Makinde dares Fayose: ‘Bring proof’ over alleged ₦50bn Tinubu payout claims

    Makinde dares Fayose: ‘Bring proof’ over alleged ₦50bn Tinubu payout claims

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde challenged former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose to provide evidence for claims that ₦50bn was paid to him in connection with the aftermath of the 2024 Ibadan explosion.

    Makinde’s camp described the allegation as baseless and insisted government actions around the explosion response were transparent.

    The exchange adds to widening PDP infighting and raises questions about how emergency support funds are tracked and communicated in politically heated periods.

    PUNCH quoted Makinde’s spokesperson saying, “If he (Fayose) has proof… he should provide it,” while The Nigerian Voice quoted the aide: “He who makes an allegation must provide evidence.”

    Echotitbits take: Allegations like this thrive when public finance reporting is weak. A routine, publishable disaster-response ledger—covering inflows, approvals, and disbursements—would reduce rumor cycles and sharpen accountability.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/prove-i-took-n50bn-from-tinubu-makinde-tells-fayose/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025
    https://punchng.com/prove-i-took-n50bn-from-tinubu-makinde-tells-fayose/

  • Agbekoya threatens ‘necessary action’ after three farmers killed in Igboho, Oyo

    Agbekoya threatens ‘necessary action’ after three farmers killed in Igboho, Oyo

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-27 07:05:00

    According to Saturday PUNCH, the Agbekoya Society of Nigeria warned it may take action following the killing of three farmers in Igboho, Orelope LGA of Oyo State, as public anger rises over rural insecurity in the South-West.

    The report says Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho raised the alarm and urged the federal government to respond decisively to what he described as worsening attacks on rural communities and farms.

    Agbekoya’s statement demanded investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, enhanced security for farmers, and support for families—signalling that farm security is becoming a flashpoint issue again.

    The incident adds pressure on state and federal authorities amid recurring farmer–herder violence narratives and community self-help threats.

    The Guardian reported the victims were “allegedly attacked with axes, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons,” while SaharaReporters quoted Igboho: “On Sunday, three innocent people were killed in my town, Igboho.”

    Echotitbits take:
    When farmer groups hint at self-defence escalation, it’s a warning sign for regional stability. Watch next for arrests (or lack of), community reprisals, and whether Oyo strengthens rural patrol structures and early-warning systems.

    Source: The Punch — December 27, 2025 (https://punchng.com/agbekoya-vows-action-over-oyo-farmers-killing/)
    The Punch December 27, 2025

  • Makinde Approves 13th-Month Bonus for Oyo Workers

    Makinde Approves 13th-Month Bonus for Oyo Workers

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved a 13th-month salary bonus for 2025 and authorised payment of some outstanding arrears for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff.

    The move continues the administration’s worker-welfare messaging amid broader cost-of-living pressures.

    Source: Punch 2025-12-08

  • Oyo Court Removes INEC From PDP Convention Suit

    An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan struck out INEC from a suit challenging the PDP’s plan to hold its elective convention in the state, agreeing that the federal agency must be sued at the Federal High Court.

    The case continues against remaining defendants, with the ruling likely to influence how parties structure future litigation involving national institutions.

    2025-12-08

    The Nation

    2025-12-08

  • Oyo: [Graphic Video] Man Set Ablazed as Gov Makinde Begs for Calm

    Oyo: [Graphic Video] Man Set Ablazed as Gov Makinde Begs for Calm

    As the situation in Ibadan the Oyo state capital remains charged, an angry mob of youths allegedly set ablaze a Policeman in the Iwo area of the city, a social media blog Ibadan Media, reported In a video uploaded online.

    Warning, graphic Video:

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    In order to calm nerves and restore order, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde defied security risk to appeal to a crowd of youths in the area.

    Video:

     

     

  • Oyo: IGP Deploys Additional Crack Detectives to Track Suspected Serial Killer

    Oyo: IGP Deploys Additional Crack Detectives to Track Suspected Serial Killer

    Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, Wednesday deployed additional investigative aids to Oyo State to complement the efforts of the state Police Command in the ongoing manhunt and efforts aimed at re-arresting Sunday Shodipe, a prime suspect in the multiple murder of innocent citizens in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area in Ibadan.

    The additional deployment comprises crack detectives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Intelligence Bureau in Abuja.

    Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu.

    The team is expected to bring their vast operational, technical and investigative experience to bear in supporting ongoing efforts aimed at re-arresting and bringing the fugitive to book.

    READ ALSO:

    Terrorism: ISWAP fighters hold hundreds hostage in Nigerian town- sources say

    The police chief, who condemned the unfortunate escape of the suspect from lawful custody, has directed Oyo State Commissioner of Police to intensify efforts and ensure the prompt re-arrest of the fleeing suspect.

    The commissioner has also been directed to speed up investigations into the circumstances that led to the escape of the suspect.

    “All persons indicted in the escape are to be identified and made to face the wrath of the law. The commissioner has equally been mandated to immediately assess and rejig the security architecture in the state so as to prevent any future occurrence of untoward incidents,” said a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba.

    READ ALSO:

    Mali: Coup plotters promise elections “within a reasonable time”

    Meanwhile, Adamu has called for calm and enjoined citizens to cooperate with the police by providing useful information that could lead to the unearthing of the whereabouts of Sunday Shodipe, the suspected serial killer in Ibadan.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Makinde Sacks Oyo Commissioner for Works, Swaps Two Others

    Makinde Sacks Oyo Commissioner for Works, Swaps Two Others

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Monday sacked his Commissioner for Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Raphael Afonja.

    The governor, in a letter dated August 10 by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Olubamiwo Adeosun, said the termination of appointment takes immediate effect.

    File photo of sacked Oyo Commissioner for Works, Raphael Afonja.

    The letter entitled: “Termination of appointment” reads in part: “I wish to convey the approval of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, on the termination of your appointment as Honourable Commissioner, with immediate effect.

    “Consequent upon the above development, you are hereby directed to hand over all the government items in your possession to the Permanent Secretary (Ministry of Works, Infrastructure and Transport).

    “I am to add that, your contribution within the time of your sojourn is appreciated and commendable, and therefore, wish you successes in your future endeavours. I thank you.”

    It would be recalled that the sacked commissioner recently tested negative for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) after 52 days of treatment in isolation and had hoped to resume work on Monday.

    Makinde has also approved redeployment of two commissioners, who were asked to swap portfolios with immediate effect.

    The governor, in an internal memo by Adeosun with the subject: “Redeployment of EXCO members,” said Commissioner for Special Duties, Bayo Lawal, has been moved to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Funmilayo Orisadeyi is to move the Ministry of Special Duties.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Senator Amosun visits late ex-Governor Ajimobi’s widow in Ibadan

    Senator Amosun visits late ex-Governor Ajimobi’s widow in Ibadan

    Senator Ibikunle Amosun today visited the family of the late former Governor of Oyo State Senator Abiola Ajimobi who died in a Lagos Hospital last week Friday 26th June 2020.

    Senator Ibikunle Amosun and late Senator Ajimobi were good friends from the days of their association in the ANPP.

    They were also both former governors elected on the platform of ACN in 2011 and later APC in 2015.

    The former Governor of Ogun State prayed for the Ajimobi family that Almighty God will grant them fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.