I’ll expose politicians behind Oyo students’ abduction if attacks continue — Sunday Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to reveal the identities of politicians he alleged are behind the abduction of students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

Igboho made the claim while receiving the newly elected executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.

 

In a video of the meeting circulating online, the activist said he was prepared to confront the kidnappers but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.

 

He also denied reports that he demanded money from the state government to assist in rescuing the abducted victims.

 

“If I am permitted to enter their hideouts, they will flee. They are human beings and can be dislodged. I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop these evil acts, I will mention their names. They are the ones supplying them with ammunition and money,” he said.

 

Igboho alleged that some political actors were working to destabilise the country and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

“The same thing they did to Jonathan is what they are doing to Tinubu. They want to make the country ungovernable for him. They are spreading fake news to frighten people and turn supporters against the President,” he said.

 

According to him, he volunteered to assist in rescuing the abducted pupils, but the state government declined the offer.

 

He claimed that government officials later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the victims if he attempted a rescue operation.

 

“Later, they told me the kidnappers said if I tried to force my way in, they would kill all the children. If they are serious about rescuing the victims, they should allow my boys and me to clear the forests and chase them out,” he added.

 

Igboho further disclosed that although he had secured federal approval for his proposed security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, the Oyo State Government had opposed its operations.

 

“After I arranged the Iru Ekun Security Network, the Federal Government approved it, but the state government said no security outfit should operate behind them. I am only concerned about rescuing these children,” he said.

 

The activist also linked the ongoing security challenge to what he described as efforts to frustrate Tinubu’s presidency, noting that the President had supported him during his period in exile.

 

His comments come amid growing concern over the abduction of pupils and teachers during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

 

The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.

 

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later reportedly killed by his captors, intensifying calls for stronger security measures and the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

 

Security agencies have since intensified operations around the forest areas believed to be used by the kidnappers, while the Oyo State Government has pledged to secure the release of those still in captivity.