Yoruba Nation activist and self-determination campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that politicians are sponsoring kidnappers responsible for recent school abductions in Oyo State and has threatened to publicly identify those involved if the attacks continue.
Igboho made the claims on Wednesday while receiving newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.
In a video that has since gained widespread attention online, the activist accused certain political figures of providing financial support and weapons to criminal groups operating in the state. He warned that he would expose the individuals allegedly behind the kidnappings unless they ceased their activities.
According to him, he had volunteered to participate in efforts to rescue pupils abducted during recent attacks in Oriire Local Government Area but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government. He claimed state officials later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the victims if he attempted any intervention.
Igboho insisted that security operatives under his influence could flush the kidnappers out of forest hideouts if granted approval, arguing that the criminals were not beyond the reach of coordinated security operations.
The activist also said he had established the Iru Ekun security network with federal approval but was discouraged from deploying the outfit in the ongoing rescue mission. He expressed frustration over what he described as restrictions placed on local security efforts despite growing concerns over insecurity in the region.
Beyond the kidnappings, Igboho linked the security situation to broader political developments, alleging that some individuals were deliberately working to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He argued that certain actors were attempting to create instability and weaken public confidence in the government through insecurity and misinformation campaigns. He further stated that he had no reason to oppose the President, whom he credited with supporting him during his period of exile.
The remarks come amid public outrage over the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. The incident triggered nationwide condemnation and renewed calls for stronger measures to address kidnapping and banditry across the country.
Neither the Oyo State Government nor security agencies had publicly responded to Igboho’s allegations at the time of filing this report.
