I’ll expose politicians behind Oyo students’ kidnapping if… — Sunday Igboho
Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that some politicians are backing the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State and threatened to expose those involved if the attacks continue.
Speaking 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 on Wednesday, Igboho claimed he possesses information about individuals sponsoring criminal groups operating in parts of the state.
The activist, in a video circulated online by Wisdom TV, said he had volunteered to assist in flushing out the kidnappers from their hideouts but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.
Igboho Threatens to Name Alleged Sponsors
According to him, the kidnappers could be defeated if security operatives and local vigilante groups were allowed to pursue them into forest camps.
“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 said.
Igboho further alleged that some political actors were deliberately creating instability to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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.
Claims Over Rescue Efforts
The activist also denied reports that he demanded payment from the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde before participating in rescue operations.
He claimed state authorities informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the abducted children 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 added that despite receiving federal approval for his proposed security outfit, the “Iru Ekun Security Network,” the state government allegedly restricted its operations.
Background to the Abduction
The controversy follows 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 institutions included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
The incident heightened security concerns across the state, with security agencies reportedly intensifying operations around forest corridors linking Oriire communities and the Old Oyo National Park area.
A teacher at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Elizabeth Olagoke, had earlier disclosed that the attackers communicated in Yoruba, Hausa and Pidgin English during the assault.
Tensions escalated further after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers, sparking renewed calls for stronger security measures and swift action to secure the release of the remaining victims.
Amid growing public concern, Igboho has continued to advocate for the deployment of his Iru Ekun Security Network, insisting the outfit can help combat criminal elements operating within forests across the South-West region.
Watch the video here…
“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