Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, yesterday, ordered native doctors, water goddess priestess, Osokpikan, as well as Aiyelala and Olokun adherents in his kingdom to come out with all their instruments on July 10, 2026, to lay curses on kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals in his kingdom and Edo State at large.

Oba Ewuare II gave the order in Benin City when he met with the native doctors at his palace.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media report alleging that pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Council of the state were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter.

However, a source within the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo wing, said the union is awaiting the fulfilment of key government commitments before considering the reopening of public schools in the state.

The Benin monarch told the native doctors, “Today is a great day. I welcome you with the power of our ancestors. Many things that are not supposed to be happening are happening in this state.

We have to pray. Those who want to destroy the kingdom will not succeed.”

Speaking through his chief, OsaigbovoOsamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, the monarch said his efforts were to support the state government to ensure peace reigns in the state

“You all know what is happening. The Oba is trying to bring peace. All the bad things are what we want to wipe away. Use all what you have to send all the wicked ones away, so that we can have good sleep.

“We don’t want kidnapping, armed robbery and other social vices in this state. We want peace. The palace has done much behind closed doors. Use all what you have to chase away wicked ones. After 10 days, you all will return to the palace with all you have to release a curse on whoever and wherever they are. We want to see change.”

On his part, Chief Egboye said, “Our Oba called us to remove all the wahala in this state. The prayers and actions will work. That is what our forefathers did. It has never failed.”

The Ohen N’ Ogbeguma N’ Ayen, Juliet Ehigiamusoe, said they would come out with all things in the river and on the land to do the bidding of the Oba.

IN a statement issued yesterday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Oyo Police Command described the video circulating online as unverified, unfounded and lacking any factual basis.

The police said the claim could mislead the public and undermine ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure the release of the victims.

“The command wishes to categorically state that the content of the said video is entirely false, unverified, misleading and devoid of any factual basis. The claim lacks credibility, substance and the requisite threshold of authenticity expected of information relating to such a sensitive security matter,” the statement reads.

It assured residents that intensive rescue operations were ongoing, adding that security agencies had stepped up efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers and bring those responsible to justice.

According to the police, the command is working closely with other security and intelligence agencies to facilitate the victims’ safe return and reunification with their families.

THE NUT source said that while the government made notable efforts in the education sector, some expectations, particularly improved school security patrols and enhanced safety for teachers, were yet to be fully met.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source explained that the union had been engaging relevant stakeholders in the education sector to address lingering security concerns following recent incidents in the state.

He noted that the reopening of schools depends largely on the implementation of adequate security measures, adding that the governor was appreciated for ongoing interventions since the abduction of teachers and students.