I will name politicians behind Oyo students’ abduction if… — Sunday Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho

I will name politicians behind Oyo students’ abduction if… — Sunday Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho has accused unnamed politicians of sponsoring the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, warning that he will publicly reveal their identities if the kidnappings persist.

He insists these politicians provide funds and weapons to bandits, and criticized the Oyo State Government for blocking his proposed rescue efforts.

The Statement and Context

Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, made the remarks during a meeting with newly elected leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at his Ibadan residence. He declared that he knows the politicians backing the kidnappers responsible for the May 15 abduction of at least 45–47 pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to him, these politicians are supplying ammunition and money to criminal groups operating in Oyo forests.

Criticism of Government Response

Igboho revealed that he had volunteered to lead a rescue operation with his security outfit, the Iru Ekun Security Network, which reportedly received federal approval. However, the Oyo State Government allegedly blocked his intervention, warning that any attempt to storm the kidnappers’ hideouts could endanger the victims. He denied claims that he demanded payment from Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, stressing that his motivation was purely to protect vulnerable children.

Political Undertones

Beyond the immediate crisis, Igboho linked the kidnappings to broader political sabotage. He alleged that the same tactics used to destabilize former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration are now being deployed against President Bola Tinubu. He accused political actors of using propaganda and fake news to weaken Tinubu’s government and make the country ungovernable.

Reactions and Calls for Action

The activist’s claims have sparked calls for accountability. Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite Igboho to disclose the names of the alleged sponsors. He emphasized that if Igboho truly possesses credible information, it should be used to aid ongoing rescue operations and ensure the safe release of abducted students and teachers.

The Abduction Incident

The kidnappings occurred during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire: Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School. A teacher was later killed in a gruesome video released by the bandits. Security agencies have since intensified operations around forest reserves believed to be the kidnappers’ base.

This controversy raises urgent questions about the intersection of politics and insecurity in Nigeria. Should Igboho follow through on his threat, it could expose powerful figures and reshape the narrative around the Oyo abductions.