Please Forgive Me Over my Comments On Oyo School Children Abduction - Gospel Singer Yinka Alaseyori

Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has apologised to Nigerians who felt offended by her recent comments on the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

In a video shared on Instagram Wednesday, the singer expressed regret over the backlash that followed her earlier remarks, saying she never intended to make anyone feel unheard or dismissed.

According to Alaseyori, she discovered that many Nigerians were unhappy with her comments and felt that their concerns over the plight of the abducted victims were not being taken seriously.

“I did a video two days ago about the kidnapped children, touching on government, parastatals and every agency. But when I woke up yesterday, I found out that some well-meaning Nigerians were not happy about it, as I made them feel their voices are unheard,” she said.

The singer pleaded for forgiveness, particularly from mothers and families affected by the incident, insisting that she would never deliberately disregard their pain.

“You know me too well that I would never make you feel like that. Mothers, do not be offended. I am sorry. I beg in God’s name. Please, forgive me. I would never think like that. Pardon and forgive me,” she added.

Alaseyori had earlier said that Nigerians need to keep praying over recent insecurity issues, stressing that the government is doing all it can to ensure that peace is restored.

The kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has continued to generate concern among Nigerians, with many calling for intensified efforts to secure the release of the victims.

 

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Agege Residents Cry Out As Alfa Nla Road Collapses

Residents and motorists have lamented the deteriorating condition of Alfa Nla Road in the Agege area of Lagos State and called for its urgent rehabilitation.

The condition of the road has caused persistent traffic congestion and hardship for road users.

The appeal followed concerns raised over the state of the road, particularly a badly damaged section that becomes flooded whenever it rains.

This also made movement difficult for motorists plying the route, which links the Pen Cinema and Oke-Koto areas of the community.

Residents told Punch correspondent that the road had remained in a poor condition for about three years without any intervention from the relevant authorities.

They noted that the situation had worsened during the rainy season as blocked drainage channels prevented rainwater from flowing freely.

A resident, who identified himself simply as Akeem, said motorists and residents had repeatedly appealed for the rehabilitation of the road without success.

According to him, the damaged section has become a major source of traffic congestion in the area, particularly during evening rush hours.

“The road has been like this for about three years. Once it starts raining, the water remains here because the drainage is completely blocked. Every day, motorists struggle to pass through this place,” he said.

Another resident, Bose Adeyemi, said the condition of the road often forced motorists to abandon the damaged lane and drive on the opposite side.

She said, “The traffic is usually terrible from around 6 p.m. Vehicles, especially commercial buses, are forced to use the other lane while facing oncoming vehicles. The other lane is now gradually getting damaged due to the pressure from the traffic.”

While Adeyemi disclosed this, Punch correspondent observed some buses already driving against traffic to avoid the damaged section of the road.

A commercial bus driver, Sulaimon Yusuf, said the poor condition of the road had increased vehicle maintenance costs.

He added that drivers were often compelled to slow down to avoid damaging their vehicles.

“You have to be very careful when driving through this road, especially when it rains. Some of the potholes are hidden under the water and can damage your vehicle if you are not familiar with the lane,” he said.

Residents blamed the worsening condition of the road on blocked drainage channels along the affected stretch.

According to them, the inability of rainwater to flow through the drains has accelerated the deterioration of the road and increased the risk of flooding.

“If you look at the side of the road, you will hardly believe there used to be a drainage there. It has been completely covered and now looks like an ordinary floor. This happened over time as the road continued to deteriorate,” another resident who did not want his name in print disclosed.

They urged the Agege Local Government and the Lagos State Government to intervene urgently before the road becomes completely impassable.

The spokesperson for the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Adesina Odunuga, could not be reached for comment on Tuesday as calls made to his telephone lines were not answered. A text message sent to him had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.

Culled from the Punch 

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Lagos Moves Underaged Beggars To Government Sheltering Facility

Underage children arrested during recent anti-begging operations across Lagos State have been transferred to government-run homes and shelters, where they

will receive care, protection and rehabilitation services.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Wednesday, hours after authorities apprehended 45 beggars,

including adults and minors, during enforcement operations in Oshodi, Agege and CMS.

According to Wahab, the children have been profiled and handed over to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development for onward placement in facilities

established by the state government.

“The underage children picked up statewide for begging on our roads have been properly profiled and handed over to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development

for onward placement in the homes and shelters provided by the State Government, where they will receive the necessary care, protection and support,” he

said.

The government had earlier announced the arrest of 45 beggars during separate operations across major commercial districts of Lagos.

The arrests included 22 persons picked up in Oshodi and Agege, as well as 23 others, comprising 14 adults and nine children, apprehended around the CMS

axis.

Wahab said adult beggars arrested during the exercise were handed over to relevant authorities for further action in line with existing laws and government

policies.

“The adult beggars are also being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further necessary action in line with existing laws and government policies,”

he added.

The latest operation forms part of a broader enforcement drive by the Lagos State Government aimed at addressing street begging, environmental violations

and other forms of public nuisance.

Last month, the state disclosed that it had made 10,634 arrests over the past year for various environmental offences.

According to government figures, 5,715 persons were arrested for illegal highway crossing, while 3,886 others were apprehended for offences including street

trading, cart pushing and environmental pollution.

Authorities also reported the arrest of 102 persons for open defecation and 931 others for waste management-related offences.

State officials have maintained that the enforcement campaign is intended not only to improve environmental compliance but also to identify vulnerable

persons in need of social intervention and rehabilitation.

  

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700 Widows, Vulnerable Residents Benefit From Free Medical Outreach In Idimu And Ikorodu

No fewer than 700 widows and vulnerable residents in Lagos State have benefited from a free medical outreach organised by the Primus Charity Foundation in the Idimu and Ikorodu areas of the state.

The foundation said the outreach, which was its second annual medical intervention programme, was aimed at improving access to healthcare services for underserved members of the community.

The exercise brought together healthcare professionals, volunteers, community leaders and partners who provided medical care and support to beneficiaries.

Speaking during the outreach, the President of the Foundation, Tomi Tomori, described the initiative as more than a medical exercise.

According to her, the programme was designed to demonstrate compassion and provide support for vulnerable members of society who often struggle to access healthcare services.

Tomori noted that many residents of low-income communities continue to battle preventable health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic pain and emotional distress due to financial challenges and limited access to medical care.

“This outreach was created to bridge that gap. At Primus Charity Foundation, we strongly believe that access to basic healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for a few,” she said.

Beneficiaries received free medical consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, counselling services, medications, health education and referrals for further medical attention where necessary.

The foundation also distributed food items to widows and other vulnerable participants as part of its humanitarian support efforts.

Tomori said the outreach reflected the foundation’s commitment to improving lives and expanding access to healthcare.

“What began as a vision to serve humanity is gradually becoming a movement of hope and impact,” she stated.

She commended the medical personnel, sponsors, volunteers, community leaders and partners whose contributions ensured the success of the programme.

Tomori also called on organisations and well-meaning individuals to partner with the foundation to promote healthier communities and extend healthcare support to more vulnerable people.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful in view of the rising cost of healthcare services in the country.

Access to affordable healthcare remains a challenge for many low-income and vulnerable Nigerians, particularly widows and the elderly.

In recent years, non-governmental organisations and charitable foundations have increasingly complemented government efforts by providing free medical outreach programmes, health screenings, medications and welfare support to underserved communities.

Such interventions help in the early detection and management of common health conditions while improving healthcare access for vulnerable groups.

  

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Gospel Singer Yinka Alaseyori Under Fire For Recommending Prayer As Solution For Oyo Abduction

Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has come under criticism on social media after suggesting that prayers are key to securing the release of students and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

The singer sparked controversy in a viral video where she defended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies amid growing concerns over insecurity in the country.

According to Alaseyori, Nigerians should not allow themselves to be used for political purposes, insisting that the president, vice president and security personnel are doing their best to rescue the victims.

“You cannot say that the president and vice president are not doing what they are supposed to do. They are working,” she said.

“We all need prayers, from the president to the last person. Those children there are our children, my children. Even security personnel could have proceeded to save the children but could have been prevented by a spiritual darkness. So, that is where prayers come into play,” she added.

Her remarks quickly triggered backlash online, with many Nigerians arguing that insecurity requires decisive government action rather than religious appeals.

A user identified as @chidozic40637 criticised the comment, saying, “For how long are we going to continue to pray instead of taking full responsibility for what is happening in our society?”

Another user, @OmoniyiShola5, acknowledged the importance of faith but argued that Nigeria’s security crisis is largely man-made.

“Prayer works but there are some things we don’t have to disturb God for. What is happening in Nigeria right now is man made and a sensible government that is transparent should be able to solve it,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @ChidiUkaonu questioned the level of effort being made by authorities, noting that Nigerians want tangible results rather than assurances.

“What do you call prayer without work? How much of work has been done? Nigerians want to see results,” the comment read.

Echoing similar sentiments, @Fashrules argued that countries that introduced Christianity and Islam to Africa tackle security challenges through swift action instead of relying solely on prayers.

“The people that exported the Abrahamic faiths to us don’t do reach us. They face their security challenges head-on by acting swiftly and ruthlessly within their capacities,” the user said.

Another commenter, @til_theng, lamented what they described as an excessive dependence on prayer in Nigeria, saying citizens are often encouraged to pray over issues that require practical solutions.

However, some social media users defended Alaseyori’s position. @Sanni4islam maintained that prayer remains effective and suggested critics might change their views if faced with a similar situation involving a loved one.

Others accused the singer of overlooking the government’s responsibility to protect citizens. “Prayer can’t do the primary duty of our government,” @SmithRyan321932 wrote.

The criticism comes as outrage continues over the abduction of 46 students and staff members from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State since May 15, 2026.

One of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, has reportedly been killed by the abductors.

  

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APM Raises The Alarm Over Growing Fear And Security Challenges In Lagos

The Allied People’s Movement, Lagos State Chapter, has expressed concern over what it calls growing security challenges in the state.

The party said reports of kidnappings, armed robberies, cult-related violence and other criminal activities had heightened fears among residents.

In a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Ayodele Kazeem, said the situation raised questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures.

Kazeem described Lagos as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre and a destination for millions seeking opportunities.

According to him, recent reports and videos circulating on social media have amplified public concerns about criminal activities across communities in the state.

“Recent reports and videos circulating on social media have further amplified public concerns about the possibility of criminal elements infiltrating communities across the state.

“While security agencies must continue to investigate and verify such reports, no responsible society can afford to treat security matters with indifference.

“The protection of lives and property must remain a top priority,” he said.

Kazeem urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times.

He noted that many criminal activities thrived because suspicious movements and behaviours were often left unreported until it was too late.

“The Allied People’s Movement notes with concern that many criminal activities thrive because suspicious movements, behaviours and activities often go unreported until it is too late.
“We therefore urge Lagosians to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times.

“Residents should promptly report any suspicious persons, activities or movements within their communities to the appropriate security agencies,” he said.

The publicity secretary called for stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies to enhance crime prevention efforts.

He said community members should provide timely and useful information capable of helping law enforcement authorities safeguard lives and property.

“Community members must also collaborate closely with law enforcement authorities by providing timely and useful information that can help prevent crime and safeguard lives and property.

“Security is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of everyone.

“When citizens speak up, remain alert and work hand-in-hand with security agencies, communities become safer and criminal elements find it more difficult to operate,” he said.

Kazeem also urged residents to support legitimate security efforts and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.

“Together, through vigilance, cooperation and responsible citizenship, we can strengthen the security of our communities and preserve the peace and stability of our dear state.

“APM remains committed to policies and programmes that will guarantee the safety, prosperity and well-being of all Lagos residents,” he said.

(NAN)

  

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Influx Of Strangers Into Ibeju-Lekki: Abdullahi Olowa Warns Against Ethnic Profiling

The Executive Chairman of the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, Hon. Abdullahi Olowa, has issued a public security advisory urging residents to remain calm and desist from ethnic profiling or self-help over the influx of “certain groups of persons” into various communities.

He said this in a statement released amidst growing apprehension among residents regarding the identities and motives of the new arrivals.

In the statement, Olowa acknowledged the rising tension, stating that his administration has already escalated the situation to both state and local security agencies to prevent any breach of public peace.

“The attention of the Local Government has been drawn to reports and concerns regarding the recent arrival of certain groups of persons into parts of our communities. As an administration that places the safety and security of our people above all else, we have taken these concerns seriously and immediately engaged the relevant security agencies.

“I am pleased to inform residents that security authorities at both the state and local levels are fully aware of the situation and are actively monitoring developments. Necessary intelligence and security measures are being implemented to ensure the continued peace and stability of our communities,” the statement read.

While encouraging residents to maintain a high level of vigilance and report suspicious movements to the police, the chairman warned against jungle justice, harassment, or unlawful profiling of the newcomers.

“I strongly advise against taking the law into your own hands. No individual or group should be subjected to harassment, intimidation, profiling, or any form of unlawful treatment.

“Security matters are best handled by the appropriate authorities, who have the legal mandate and capacity to do so,” Olowa wrote.

“At a time when security concerns remain a national challenge, it is important that we remain vigilant and support lawful efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property,” he added, urging residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

  

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Reports Of Bandit Invasion In Lagos Are False - Lagos Police Command

Parents in parts of Lagos State rushed to schools on Monday to pick up their children following reports of a suspected bandit attack in communities around Eleko and Imota, prompting authorities and the police to dismiss the claims as false.

The panic reportedly spread across schools in Eleko, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, after messages circulated alleging the presence of bandits in the area.

One parent whose children attend Davdan Nursery and Primary School, Eleko, told Punch correspondent that parents were contacted by school authorities and asked to pick up their wards.

“I was called from my children’s school that bandits are around Eleko and that we should pick up our children from school,” she said.

According to the parent who chose to remain anonymous, the directive affected several schools in the community.

“The directive was issued across the schools around this place, that schools should be closed and that parents should pick up their children. Children are all over the place now. They said all children should go home,” she added.

However, school authorities and government officials dismissed the reports, attributing the panic to misinformation.

The panic was also linked to claims made during a call-in programme on a broadcast station, alleging that two schoolgirls were killed by bandits at a primary school in Imota Local Council Development Area.

A headmaster at LG Nursery and Primary School, Agbowa, Odumeru Adekunle, said the alarm was triggered by an accident and not a security incident.

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Benson Ayodele, in a statement, described the claim as false and unverified.

“We wish to state categorically that the information contained in the video is false, misleading, and entirely unfounded. There is no verified report, official record, or credible security information confirming the alleged incident within Imota LCDA,” the statement said.

The council warned that the spread of unverified reports could create unnecessary panic and urged residents to rely on credible sources and official security agencies for information on public safety.

The station later apologised for airing the report without verification.

“During our live phone-in segment, we received calls from listeners alleging that ‘Imota is on fire’ and that ‘bandits are in a public school’ with ‘two girls affected’. In the urgency to inform, the information was aired without full verification from security agencies and community leaders,” the station said.

The Lagos State Police Command also dismissed the claim. The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, described the alleged attack as “false.”

Reacting to viral videos circulating on the incident, the police said they would carry out appropriate investigations before issuing further details.

While responding to the media on the issue, the PPRO said, “We will analyse the video and make a comment.”

  

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Building Collapse Risks: Lagos Seals 827 Construction Sites

Lagos State Government has sealed 827 construction sites across the state in the last 12 months as part of intensified enforcement measures aimed at tackling building collapses and ensuring compliance with construction safety standards.

The government said the enforcement drive forms part of a broader strategy to stem the persistent challenge of building failures, particularly in informal settlements and unapproved developments where many developers operate outside established quality control procedures.

General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul, disclosed this while answering questions at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Abdul said the agency had moved beyond conventional testing methods and adopted a proactive, intelligence-driven quality assurance system designed to detect violations before they result in structural failures.

According to her, the agency issued 3,181 notices to property owners and developers during the review period, while enforcement teams carried out 822 compliance operations across construction sites statewide.

She disclosed that 439 sites were sealed following non-compliance with regulatory directives, while hundreds of others were shut down over violations linked to destructive and non-destructive testing requirements, bringing the total number of sealed facilities to 827 within one year.

“These sealings are not just statistics; they send a clear message that no structure is too big and no developer too connected to escape quality control measures in Lagos State,” Abdul said.

The LSMTL boss attributed many building collapse incidents to developments in informal settlements where developers often evade statutory testing procedures and regulatory oversight.

To address the challenge, she said the agency has introduced sweeping reforms anchored on technology, stricter enforcement and industry-wide compliance monitoring.

Among the reforms, she said, was the introduction of the electronic Materials Testing Management System (e-MTMS), a digital platform that assigns unique tracking codes to every construction sample submitted for testing, thereby eliminating human interference and reducing opportunities for result manipulation.

Abdul said the agency has also enforced a mandatory three-stage testing regime requiring developers to conduct tests at foundation, structural frame and roofing stages before construction can proceed.

She added that all registered construction sites are now geotagged and mapped using GPS technology, enabling enforcement teams to verify compliance remotely and monitor projects in real time.

“The agency has also introduced a private laboratory accreditation programme under which only laboratories that pass bi-annual proficiency assessments are authorised to issue test certificates recognised by the Lagos State Government,” she disclosed.

In a further push to strengthen oversight, Abdul disclosed that a dedicated whistleblower and rapid response system had been established to enable residents report suspicious construction activities.

According to her, the agency responded to such reports within 48 hours and took immediate enforcement action where necessary.

The General Manager said LSMTL had also partnered with professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Building and the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos, to implement compulsory training and certification programmes for key construction stakeholders.

She revealed that the agency conducted 7,077 steel destructive tests, 5,959 concrete tests, 1,818 water tests, 333 pile integrity tests, 948 steel stanchion tests and 226 geotechnical tests involving construction materials such as sand, granite and cement during the review period.

Abdul urged Lagos residents to demand valid test certificates before occupying newly completed buildings, stressing that preventing building collapse requires collective vigilance from regulators, developers and the public.

“We are working towards zero building collapse in Lagos, but residents also have a role to play by insisting on quality assurance and compliance before moving into any building,” she said.

  

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Gender Based Violence: Lagos Records Over 6000 Cases, Secures Justice For Over 2000 Victims

The Lagos State government has  disclosed that 6,753 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were reported across the state in 2025, with 2,460 survivors obtaining justice through various intervention and support mechanisms put in place by the government.

The government also revealed that 116 offenders were prosecuted during the period, while 3,099 survivors received recovery and support services, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat domestic violence and protect vulnerable residents.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, disclosed the figures on Monday during the ministry’s ministerial press briefing commemorating the second year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

According to the commissioner, of the 6,753 reported GBV cases, 6,213 involved female victims, while 540 involved male.

She added that 2,263 female survivors and 197 male survivors secured justice through legal and institutional interventions.

Dada said the ministry had continued to strengthen its response framework through mediation, counselling, awareness campaigns, emergency intervention services and partnerships with relevant agencies and development organisations.

She noted that 273 survivors were provided with livelihood support programmes aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and attain financial independence, while 3,099 victims benefitted from recovery, counselling and support services.

The commissioner explained that the Domestic Violence Unit of the ministry remains at the forefront of efforts to address domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence across Lagos.

“The Domestic Violence Unit remains dedicated to its mandate of eradicating domestic violence and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all residents of Lagos State. Through sustained collaboration, policy support and resource allocation, we are expanding our reach and impact in the fight against domestic violence and gender-based abuse,” she said.

Dada disclosed that the ministry implemented 75,037 preventive actions against GBV during the review period through community sensitisation campaigns, advocacy programmes and public enlightenment initiatives conducted across urban, rural and riverine communities in the state.

She said the interventions targeted schools, religious institutions, community leaders, men and boys, as well as vulnerable groups, with the objective of preventing abuse and promoting non-violent conflict resolution.

According to her, the ministry has also strengthened emergency response mechanisms through its Call Service Centre, which is integrated with the Lagos State Command and Control Centre via the 767 emergency number.

Dada said the centre serves as a critical platform for receiving reports, conducting initial assessments, providing information on available support services and connecting survivors to counselling, shelters, legal aid and law enforcement agencies.

She revealed that 340 cases were reported through the contact centre during the period under review, demonstrating growing public confidence in the state’s response system.

The commissioner further highlighted the state’s collaboration with agencies such as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and development partners including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Dada also pointed to the completion of a survivor shelter in Agidingbi and the launch of the Lagos State Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Policy as major milestones in strengthening protection for survivors and promoting safer learning environments across tertiary institutions in the state.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence and all forms of gender-based abuse, stressing that the protection of women, children and vulnerable persons remains a key priority of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

“The success of our interventions is a reflection of the state’s commitment to social inclusion, protection of vulnerable groups and the creation of safer communities where residents can live with dignity and security,” she said.

  

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