Sunday Igboho Vows to Name Politicians Behind Oyo Students’ Abduction

Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to reveal the identities of politicians he claims are sponsoring the recent wave of kidnappings in Oyo State, including the abduction of students in Oriire Local Government Area.

Igboho made the declaration on Wednesday while receiving the newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.

Speaking in a video that has since gone viral, the activist alleged that some politicians were providing financial support and ammunition to criminal groups operating in the state. He warned that he would publicly name those involved if the attacks continued.

"I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money," Igboho said.

The activist further claimed that he volunteered to lead efforts to rescue the abducted students but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government. According to him, authorities expressed concerns that any intervention by his security team could endanger the lives of the victims.

"If I am permitted to enter their hideouts, they will flee. They are human beings and can be dislodged. I volunteered to go after them, but the state government said no," he stated.

Igboho also denied reports suggesting that he demanded money from the Oyo State Government before participating in rescue operations. He maintained that his interest was solely to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.

The activist disclosed that he had established a security outfit known as "Iru Ekun Security Network" after obtaining approval from the Federal Government. However, he alleged that the Oyo State Government restricted the operation of the outfit within the state.

The controversy comes in the wake of the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where at least 45 pupils were reportedly abducted by armed assailants. The affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.

Security agencies subsequently launched operations around the surrounding forests and possible escape routes used by the kidnappers.

The situation took a tragic turn when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers. A disturbing video circulated online allegedly showed the teacher being executed while in captivity.

Reacting to the worsening security situation, Igboho reiterated his readiness to deploy his security network to assist in flushing out criminal elements from forests across the South-West region. He also expressed willingness to comply with the Executive Order issued by Governor Seyi Makinde regulating the activities of private security outfits in Oyo State.

As public concern over insecurity continues to grow, many Nigerians are calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies, local communities, and stakeholders to secure the release of the remaining abductees and bring those responsible to justice.

The allegations made by Sunday Igboho regarding political sponsorship of kidnappers have not been independently verified, and no politician has been officially linked to the abductions by security agencies as of the time of filing this report.