Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to reveal the identities of politicians he claims are behind the abduction of dozens of students in Oyo State.
Speaking during a meeting with newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde at his residence in Ibadan, Igboho alleged that some politicians were funding and arming criminal groups responsible for kidnappings in the state.
According to a video cited by Punch, the activist said he had volunteered to lead efforts to dislodge the kidnappers from their forest hideouts but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.
“I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all,” Igboho said, alleging that the individuals involved were supplying ammunition and financial support to the kidnappers.
He further claimed that those behind the attacks were attempting to destabilise the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by creating insecurity and spreading propaganda.
Igboho said the state government informed him that the abductors had threatened to kill the victims if he attempted a rescue operation. He insisted that his proposed security network, known as “Iru Ekun Security Network”, could help flush criminals out of forests across the South-West if allowed to operate.
The activist also denied ever demanding money from the administration of Seyi Makinde to assist in rescuing the abductees.
The comments come amid heightened concern over the abduction of at least 45 pupils and staff during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
Tensions escalated further after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by his captors. A video circulated online allegedly showed the teacher being beheaded after being held hostage.
Security agencies have since intensified efforts to track the kidnappers, with reports indicating that possible escape routes around forest reserves near the Old Oyo National Park have been placed under surveillance.
