The Osun State chapter of the Labour Party has appealed for calm following recent incidents of political violence, including reported gunshots and killings in parts of the state.

The state chairman of the party, Mustapha Adebayo Muhydeen, made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday, expressing concern over what he described as a disturbing rise in politically motivated violence.

Muhydeen said the development was a source of worry and urged political stakeholders and their supporters to embrace peace as political activities continue ahead of future elections in the state.

He recalled that during his inauguration as the chairman of the Labour Party in Osun on April 25, 2026, he had stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence among residents before, during, and after the August 15 governorship election.

According to him, “the recent incidents threaten the stability and democratic progress of the state and should not be allowed to continue.”

“The Labour Party in Osun State is deeply concerned about the recent spate of violence, including gunshots and reported loss of lives in some communities. We call on all political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint and allow peace to prevail.”

The party chairman urged security agencies to intensify efforts to maintain law and order across the state and ensure that those responsible for acts of violence are identified and prosecuted.

He maintained that political competition should not degenerate into violence, adding that democracy can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.

Muhydeen stated, “No political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. We urge all stakeholders to put the interest of Osun State above partisan differences and ensure that peace is not compromised.”

He also sympathised with families affected by the recent violence and called for justice and support for victims of the unrest.

The Labour Party chairman advised youths across the state not to allow themselves to be used by politicians as agents of violence, warning that such actions could have lasting consequences for their future.

Muhydeen reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peaceful political engagement and urged residents to remain calm while relevant authorities address the situation.

He stressed that dialogue and lawful engagement remain the appropriate means of resolving political differences in a democratic society.

Nigeria’s crude oil production topped its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota in May, reaching its pinnacle in 15 months and cementing its position as Africa’s leading oil producer.

Data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed the country produced an average of 1.53 million barrels of crude oil per day (bpd) during the month.

With a condensate production of 170,446 bpd included, the commission put Nigeria’s average total hydrocarbon output at 1.7 million bpd.

“Nigeria’s oil production witnessed an upswing in May 2026, averaging 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil and 170,446 barrels of condensates per day, bringing the total combined production to 1,700, 800 barrels per day and consolidating Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer,” NUPRC said in a statement on Thursday.

The figure represents 102 per cent of Nigeria’s OPEC production quota of 1.5 million bpd, according to the regulator.

The latest performance marks a significant milestone for the country’s oil sector, with total production standing at its peak since last July, when the combined crude oil and condensate output reached 1.71 million bpd.

With the figure for condensates excluded, the 1.53 million bpd in May represents Nigeria’s strongest performance since January 2025, when output touched 1.538 million bpd.

The May figure also represents a 15-month high for crude oil production, excluding condensates.

While Nigeria’s oil production continues to witness significant growth, oil rich communities from the country’s Niger Delta region are grappling with unprecedented levels of oil and gas pollution amidst renewed exploration targets.

Remediation efforts across the region have been conspicuously slow, raising concerns over the country’s refusal to prioritise the welfare of the residents of the region.

Production rises month-on-month

Crude oil production (excluding condensates) in May increased by 2.8 per cent from 1.48 million bpd a month earlier.

The trend has remained positive over the past five months. Combined crude oil and condensate production rose from 1.48 million bpd in February to 1.54 million bpd in March, 1.66 million bpd in April and 1.7 million bpd in May.

The steady rise suggests sustained improvements in operational efficiency across the upstream sector, despite the ongoing challenges facing the global oil market.

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Among Nigeria’s major production streams, Bonny Terminal recorded the highest output, contributing 293,870 bpd.

Forcados Terminal followed closely with 289,900 bpd, while Qua Iboe produced 173,360 bpd.

Escravos Oil Terminal accounted for 135,470 bpd, while Odudu (Amenam Blend) completed the top five production streams with 63,250 bpd.

Improved operations

The NUPRC attributed the improved production performance to stable operations across the industry.

According to the commission, there were no significant pipeline disruptions or facility outages during the period under review.

It also noted that all the previously scheduled turnaround maintenance programmes have been successfully completed, contributing to improved operational reliability and higher production efficiency.

The latest figures could boost government revenues and strengthen confidence in the ongoing efforts to raise Nigeria’s oil production capacity, which has been constrained in recent years by crude theft, pipeline vandalism and operational challenges.

With output now above its OPEC quota, attention will turn to whether the country can sustain the momentum in the coming months.