•From left Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac, Mr Isaac Alabura (father of the slain officer)

Mr Isaac Alabura, the father of Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac, the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer who died during an operation to rescue abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, has described his late son as “the hope of the family and the community.”

The young officer was killed while leading troops during the rescue operation that secured the victims’ freedom on July 10, 2026.

Born on August 25, 1997, Lt. Isaac was buried with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10, 2026.

Alabura spoke to journalists at his residence in Bachure Quarters, Yola, on Sunday.

The retired Master Warrant Officer, said that the family remained devastated by the tragedy as they looked forward to seeing him rise through the military ranks before his life was cut short.

“It is natural to feel pain whenever you lose someone, even if it is an enemy. How much more brilliant, young officer whom our family and community looked up to? His life was cut short at a time we expected him to achieve greater things,” he said.

Alabura also expressed disappointment over how news of his son’s death reached the family, saying neither the military authorities nor the Oyo State Government had officially briefed them on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He, however, commended four serving and retired senior military officers who, according to him, ensured that his son’s body was released and brought to Yola for burial despite attempts by some persons to have him buried in Oyo State

LAGOS, July 12, 2026 — Alumni of the 1996 graduating class of Oshodi High School (OHS), Oshodi, Lagos, have commenced preparations for their 30th anniversary celebration, scheduled to hold on October 1, 2026.

The event, themed “OHS ’96 Set 30 Years Homecoming & Reunion,” will take place at Sherof Hall and is expected to bring together members of the class from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

In a statement issued by the alumni executive committee, the organisers described the reunion as a milestone celebration and an opportunity for former classmates to reconnect after three decades.

“It has been a remarkable 30 years since we graduated from Oshodi High School, Oshodi. Over the decades, each of us has grown, achieved and become who we are today,” the statement said.

The committee noted that the reunion is designed to enable members to relive cherished memories, renew old friendships, strengthen professional and business networks, and celebrate God’s faithfulness throughout their individual and collective journeys.

According to the organisers, the anniversary will also serve as an avenue to reflect on the values instilled by the school and the impact they have had on the lives and careers of members over the past three decades.

The event is expected to feature networking sessions, entertainment, the recognition of distinguished alumni, and other activities aimed at strengthening the bond among members of the 1996 graduating class.

The executive committee urged all members of the set to attend the reunion and contribute to making the celebration a memorable and historic occasion.

.……Commends Security Forces

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound joy over the successful rescue of abducted children and their teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, describing the operation as a major victory for Nigeria’s security agencies.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the military, Department of State Services (DSS), and police for their relentless efforts over the past 56 days, which led to the safe release of the hostages without collateral damage. The operation also resulted in the arrest of eight abductors and the neutralisation of others.

The President acknowledged the immense pain and anxiety endured by the abducted children, their teachers, families, and the entire nation since the incident occurred. He, however, noted that the successful military, police, and intelligence-driven operation has brought relief after more than 50 days of siege.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today,” President Tinubu said.

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”

The President vowed that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was gruesomely murdered by the terrorists during the abduction.

He commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and directed it to strengthen security around schools across the state.

President Tinubu also instructed emergency agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing comprehensive medical care and relief support to the rescued children and teachers.

The development marks a significant boost for the Tinubu administration’s security agenda amid ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and kidnapping in parts of the country.