Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has accused certain politicians of supporting kidnappers behind the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, warning he will expose their identities if the attacks continue. Speaking during a meeting with newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at his residence in Soka, Ibadan, on Wednesday, Igboho claimed he has evidence of political figures providing financial and logistical support to criminal groups operating in the state. He emphasized that these individuals are arming and funding the kidnappers, enabling them to carry out coordinated attacks on schools.
Igboho stated that he had offered to assist in rescuing the abducted children by leading operations into the forest hideouts where the kidnappers are believed to be based. However, he alleged that the Oyo State Government blocked his efforts, citing threats from the kidnappers. In a video shared by Wisdom TV, he said: “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.”
He further accused some political actors of deliberately fueling insecurity to destabilize President Bola Ahmed 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 use propaganda and fake news to discourage supporters of the President,” he stated. Igboho denied claims that he demanded payment from Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration before joining rescue efforts, saying state authorities informed him that the kidnappers threatened to kill the children if he intervened directly.
The activist also pointed out that despite receiving federal approval for his proposed security outfit, the “Iru Ekun Security Network,” the Oyo State Government has restricted its operations. The controversy follows the abduction of at least 45 pupils during coordinated 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.
Security agencies have intensified operations in forest corridors linking Oriire communities and the Old Oyo National Park area. A teacher at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Elizabeth Olagoke, revealed that the attackers communicated in Yoruba, Hausa, and Pidgin English during the assault. Tensions escalated after the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, prompting renewed calls for swift action to secure the release of the remaining victims.
Igboho continues to advocate for the deployment of his Iru Ekun Security Network, asserting that it can effectively combat criminal elements operating in forested areas across the South-West. His statements have sparked national debate on the role of political influence in insecurity and the need for collaborative security solutions. As the search for the abducted children continues, pressure mounts on authorities to address both immediate threats and underlying systemic issues.
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