Sunday Igboho Threatens to Name Politicians Behind Oyo School Abductions

Yoruba self-determination activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to publicly expose politicians he claims are sponsoring criminal groups responsible for recent student abductions and insecurity in Oyo State.

Igboho made the remarks while receiving newly elected officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by its president, Akinteye Babatunde at his residence in Ibadan.

Speaking in a video later circulated online, the activist expressed frustration over what he described as restrictions placed on his efforts to assist in rescue operations following the abduction of students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. According to him, he possesses information about individuals allegedly providing financial and logistical support to criminal elements operating in the region.

“I know the politicians behind them and if they do not stop these activities, I will mention their names. They are the ones supplying money and ammunition to these criminals,” he said.

Igboho insisted that criminal groups operating within forests in the South-West could be dislodged if security authorities allowed local intervention efforts. He maintained that he had volunteered to assist in rescuing the abducted students but was allegedly prevented from doing so by state authorities.

The activist claimed that government officials later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the abducted children if he attempted a rescue mission.

“If they are serious about rescuing these children, let them allow my team to enter the forests and pursue these criminals. We will see whether they can withstand the pressure,” he stated.

Igboho also denied ever seeking financial compensation from the Oyo State Government for any proposed rescue operation, insisting that his interest was solely driven by concern for the victims and their families.

He further linked the recent wave of insecurity to what he described as efforts by political actors to destabilise the administration of President Bola Tinubu. According to him, similar tactics were allegedly deployed against former President Goodluck Jonathan during his tenure.

“The same thing they did to Jonathan is what they are doing to Tinubu. They want to make the country ungovernable,” he alleged.

The activist also defended his support for President Tinubu, recalling that the President played a significant role in assisting him during his period of exile. Igboho reiterated his determination to formally launch the Iru Ekun Security Network, a regional security initiative he says is designed to combat banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality across South-West forests.

He disclosed that although the initiative had received support at the federal level, concerns raised by the Oyo State Government regarding private security operations had slowed its rollout.

Nevertheless, he expressed readiness to comply with all regulatory requirements and executive directives introduced by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration concerning private security outfits.

The activist maintained that stronger collaboration between communities and security stakeholders remains essential to tackling the growing threat posed by kidnappers and armed criminal groups across the region.