Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that certain politicians are backing criminal groups responsible for the recent abductions of schoolchildren in Oyo State, warning that he may publicly identify those involved if the attacks persist.
Igboho made the claims during a meeting with newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.
Igboho alleges political sponsorship of kidnappers
In a video shared online by Wisdom TV, the activist claimed he possesses information about individuals allegedly sponsoring kidnappers operating in parts of Oyo State.
According to him, criminal groups could be effectively dismantled if security agencies and local vigilante operatives were allowed to pursue them into their forest hideouts.
“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 alleged.
However, Igboho did not publicly provide evidence to support the claims or identify any specific individuals.
Claims of efforts to assist rescue operations
The activist further stated that he had offered to assist in efforts to rescue the abducted victims but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.
He alleged that state officials informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to harm the captives if he attempted to intervene directly.
“Later, they told me the kidnappers warned that if I forced my way into the operation, they would kill all the children. If they truly want these victims rescued, they should allow my men and me to drive the criminals out of the forests,” he said.
Igboho also maintained that his proposed security outfit, the Iru Ekun Security Network, could play a significant role in combating criminal activities across the South-West if permitted to operate fully.
Comments on national politics
The activist linked the security challenges to broader political developments, alleging that some individuals were deliberately working to create instability in the country.
“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 claimed.
Background to the abduction
The remarks come amid heightened concern following the reported abduction of at least 45 pupils during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
The incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures across the state, particularly around forest corridors linking affected communities to the Old Oyo National Park area.
A teacher at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Elizabeth Olagoke, had earlier stated that the attackers communicated in Yoruba, Hausa, and Pidgin English during the operation.
Tensions intensified further after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the kidnappers, prompting fresh demands for urgent action to secure the release of the remaining victims.
As security agencies continue rescue efforts, Igboho has reiterated his call for greater involvement of local security initiatives, insisting that community-based responses could help tackle the growing threat of kidnapping and violent crime in the region.
“If the government gives me the opportunity to face those k%dnappers, they will run. They are human beings just like me; they only have political backing. Politicians are the ones behind those te77orists. What they did during Jonathan’s administration is what they are doing… pic.twitter.com/MsRaqcwqXQ
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) June 4, 2026
