Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has raised concerns about the increasing migration of bandits from Nigeria’s Northwest into his state, following intensified military operations in the region.

Makinde made this statement during the 2025 inter-faith church service for workers in Ibadan, revealing that security reports indicated that criminal elements were moving into Oyo.

He shared an example from his recent birthday retreat, where bandits were reportedly camped less than two kilometers from his location. “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that bad elements from the Northwest are relocating here due to military pressure in their regions,” he said.

The governor assured residents that his administration would take decisive action to address the threat, working closely with security agencies and traditional leaders to ensure the safety of the state.

“For us in Oyo, bandits will have no place. I will not rest until every part of this state is safe,” he vowed.

Makinde acknowledged the challenges the state faced in the past year but reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of all residents. He urged citizens to collaborate with security forces and stay vigilant in helping rid the state of criminal elements.

“Together, we can make Oyo safe and secure for everyone,” he emphasized.

The governor’s comments have heightened awareness of the shifting dynamics of insecurity across Nigeria as the battle against banditry intensifies nationwide.

Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Abubakar Robert Ewa, has passed away.

Ewa died on Wednesday evening at Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.

As of the time of this report, members of the Cross River State Executive Council, along with other aides of Governor Bassey Otu, have gathered at the hospital to console the deceased's family and mourn his passing.

Earlier in the day, Ewa attended the state’s executive council meeting, presided over by Governor Otu.

Over the years, Ewa held various key positions, including secretary and later chairman of the Boki Local Government Council. He also served as Special Adviser on Community Relations and Secretary of the Anti-Deforestation Task Force.

Two people were injured in an accident near the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) headquarters on Wednesday. According to a statement from LASTMA, the incident occurred when a commercial bus experienced brake failure and crashed into a culvert along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, heading towards Oshodi Oke.

The agency confirmed that two victims were involved in the crash and were being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. LASTMA officials were on-site to manage the situation, control traffic, and ease the resulting congestion.

The controversy surrounding the Ibadan funfair stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors took another turn as a High Court in Ibadan adjourned its ruling on the bail applications for the suspects involved. Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, presiding over the case, scheduled the decision for Tuesday, January 13, 2025, after hearing arguments from both sides.

The suspects—Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of the school—are facing charges including conspiracy, causing death by negligence, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. They were initially arraigned at a Magistrate Court in Iyaganku on these charges.

During a proceeding that lasted over five hours, defense counsels argued for their clients’ release on bail, citing insufficient evidence to justify their continued detention at the Agodi Correctional Centre. Conversely, the Oyo State Government, represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail applications. The government highlighted compelling reasons to deny the suspects' release, emphasizing the severity of the incident.

The tragic stampede occurred during a funfair organized by Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The incident has drawn widespread criticism and sparked debates over event safety and accountability.

Notably, similar stampedes during food distribution in Anambra and Abuja occurred days after the Ibadan tragedy, collectively resulting in another 35 fatalities. These events have amplified calls for stricter measures to prevent such disasters and ensure public safety.