Igboho threatens to expose politicians behind Oyo school kidnap, Says he would flush bandits out

 

Yoruba Nation agitator and activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has stirred fresh controversy after threatening to expose politicians allegedly sponsoring kidnapping activities in Oyo State, particularly those linked to the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area.

Igboho made the explosive allegation on Wednesday while receiving newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.

In a video that has since gone viral, the activist claimed that he possesses detailed information about politicians allegedly funding and arming criminal gangs responsible for kidnappings and other violent crimes in the state.

He warned that he would publicly reveal their identities if they failed to stop what he described as their evil activities.

According to him, the politicians are not only providing financial support to the criminals but are also supplying them with ammunition, enabling them to continue their operations across parts of the South-West.

"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 declared.

Igboho further alleged that the worsening insecurity in parts of the country is part of a broader political agenda aimed at frustrating the administration of President Bola Tinubu and making the country appear ungovernable.

Drawing parallels with the security challenges that plagued former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, he argued that similar forces were at work again.

Speaking on the abduction of dozens of pupils from schools in Oriire Local Government, the activist said he had volunteered to lead efforts to flush out the kidnappers from their hideouts but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.

He maintained that his intervention could have forced the criminals out of the forests where they operate.

"If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are humans and can be dislodged. I volunteered to go, but the state government said no," he said.

According to Igboho, state officials later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the abducted children if he attempted any rescue operation without approval.

He insisted that despite the threats, his security network had the capacity to drive criminal elements out of the forests across the South-West.

The activist also dismissed claims that he demanded money from Governor Seyi Makinde's administration before offering assistance in the rescue mission.

Instead, he said his primary concern was the safety and freedom of the abducted children and teachers.

Igboho used the occasion to speak extensively about his newly established security outfit, the Iru Ekun Security Network, which he said received approval from the Federal Government as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security across the region.

However, he alleged that the Oyo State Government restricted the outfit's operations and warned against independent intervention in the rescue efforts.

"After I arranged the Iru Ekun Security Network, the Federal Government permitted me, but the state government said no security outfit must take any step without them. If they are serious about rescuing the victims, they should allow my boys and me to enter the forests and chase these criminals away," he said.

The activist also defended President Tinubu, stating that he had no reason to oppose the President, whom he credited with playing a key role in securing his freedom while he was in exile.

"Tinubu was instrumental in my freedom. Why should I fight him? Why are some people trying to ruin his government?" he queried.

The controversy comes in the wake of the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly abducted no fewer than 45 pupils and members of staff.

The affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.

The incident generated widespread outrage and heightened concerns over insecurity in Oyo State.

Tension escalated further after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers. A disturbing video allegedly showing his execution surfaced online, sparking fresh calls for decisive action against criminal gangs operating within the state's forest corridors.

Security agencies have since intensified operations around suspected hideouts and escape routes linked to the kidnappers, particularly around forest reserves bordering Oriire communities and the Old Oyo National Park axis.

As pressure mounts on authorities to secure the release of the remaining victims, Igboho's allegations and threat to expose alleged political sponsors of insecurity have added a new and potentially explosive dimension to the ongoing crisis.