The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has called on politicians and their supporters in Oyo State to avoid violence and promote peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council’s President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, made the appeal in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan on Saturday.

Ajewole’s warning followed reports of violent clashes involving political supporters in the Molete area of Ibadan, which raised concerns about public safety as political activities ahead of the elections gather momentum.

He condemned the incidents, warning that political violence could threaten peace and security across the state. He urged candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint, respect opposing political views and avoid actions that could lead to the destruction of lives and property.

The CCII president-general also called for campaigns centred on policies and development plans rather than intimidation or confrontation. He said political candidates should explain their manifestoes and how they intend to address the needs of residents.

Ajewole further urged political leaders to caution their supporters against inflammatory statements and actions capable of heightening tensions during the election period.

He stressed that political ambitions should not come at the expense of public safety, adding that maintaining peace in Ibadan and the wider Oyo State was a collective responsibility.

The council also appealed to security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that anyone found responsible for political violence is dealt with in accordance with the law.

The call followed an attack on supporters of Accord Party governorship candidate Oriyomi Hamzat during a procession in the Molete area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area on Wednesday.

The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH, stating that Hamzat’s supporters had been ambushed during what was described as a peaceful procession.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the council’s appeal adds to growing calls for issue-based campaigns and a political environment in which voters can participate without fear or intimidation.

The United Kingdom has appointed Vicky Seymour as its new Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, succeeding Gill Lever OBE, whose diplomatic posting in the country ended in June 2026. Seymour has already assumed her duties at the British High Commission in Abuja.

The appointment was announced by the British High Commission, which said Seymour will play a central role in advancing the long-standing partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Her responsibilities will include supporting cooperation in areas such as trade, security, governance, migration, education, investment and international development.

Seymour brings more than 20 years of diplomatic and development experience to the role. Before her latest appointment, she served as Head of the East Africa Department at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). She has also held senior positions as Development Director in Mozambique and worked in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan.

Commenting on her appointment, Seymour said she was delighted to take up the position and looked forward to engaging with Nigeria’s diverse communities while building on the strong relationship between both countries. She described Nigeria as an extraordinary nation and expressed her commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

Her appointment comes as the UK continues to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with Nigeria across economic, security and development priorities, reinforcing the strategic ties between the two Commonwealth nations.

Matthew Owoade, the abducted headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, has regained his freedom after spending about two days in captivity.

The Oyo State Police Command said Owoade was released after sustained pressure from a coordinated joint security operation, which forced his abductors to abandon him. He has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment.

Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said the victim will be debriefed after receiving medical care as investigators continue efforts to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the abduction.

Owoade, 60, was kidnapped while returning from his farm along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare road. His abductors reportedly demanded a ₦30 million ransom, prompting a joint response by security agencies.

The Commissioner of Police commended the support of other security agencies, local communities, and residents during the rescue operation, while urging the public to continue providing credible information to aid ongoing efforts to combat crime in the state.