Popular Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that some politicians are behind the recent wave of kidnappings in Oyo State, warning that he may publicly reveal their identities if the attacks continue.
Igboho made the claim on Wednesday while receiving newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.
Speaking in a video that has since gained traction online, the activist asserted that he possesses information about individuals allegedly sponsoring criminal activities in the state. According to him, these politicians provide financial support and ammunition to kidnappers operating in the region.
He maintained that he has the capacity to confront and dislodge the criminals from their hideouts but claimed that his efforts have been restricted by the Oyo State Government.
Igboho also dismissed reports that he requested financial compensation from Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration before assisting in the rescue of victims abducted during the recent attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The activist further alleged that those orchestrating the kidnappings are pursuing a political agenda aimed at destabilising the country and undermining the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the strategy mirrors what he described as attempts to make Nigeria ungovernable during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Igboho said that if authorities granted him permission to move against the kidnappers, they would be forced to abandon their hideouts. He insisted that the criminals are not invincible and can be driven out of the forests where they operate.
He claimed that after volunteering to participate in efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren, state authorities declined his offer. He further alleged that the government later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if he attempted to intervene independently.
The Yoruba activist argued that local security operatives familiar with the terrain could effectively flush out criminal elements if given the necessary support and approval.
Speaking on his security outfit, “Iru Ekun,” Igboho said he had received approval from the Federal Government to establish the network. However, he alleged that the Oyo State Government prevented the group from operating, insisting that security operations remain under official control.
He stated that his concern stems from the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that urgent action is required to secure their release and restore confidence in local communities.
Igboho also expressed support for President Tinubu, noting that the President played a role in securing his freedom during his period of exile. He questioned why some individuals would seek to undermine Tinubu’s administration and prevent it from completing its tenure.
The comments come in the wake of the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during which at least 46 pupils and teachers were reportedly abducted by armed terrorists.
The affected institutions were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
READ ALSO:
- COAS Shaibu Appoints Commanders as Tinubu Approves Four New Army Divisions
- Makinde Appoints Adeniran to Lead APM Presidential Campaign in Oyo
- Canada-Based Prophetess Apologises to Husband After Backlash Over Mother-in-Law’s Death Post
- Many Feared Dead in Kaduna Illegal Mining Clash, BEPU Calls for Full Investigation
- 2027: Tinubu vows to fight for second term, tells opposition ‘we’ll wrestle to the finish’
