An activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to expose politicians allegedly sponsoring the abduction of students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State if they continue their activities.
He gave the threat while addressing newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan on Wednesday.
In a video that has since gone viral, the activist claimed he knew those behind the recent wave of kidnappings and accused some politicians of providing financial and logistical support to bandits operating in the state.
“I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said.
Igboho also alleged that efforts were being made by certain interests to undermine the administration of President Bola Tinubu through insecurity and misinformation campaigns.
According to him, he had volunteered to lead operations against the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of scores of students in Oyo State but was prevented from doing so by the state government.
He said the government later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the abducted children if he attempted any rescue operation.
“If I am permitted to enter their hideouts, they will flee. They are human beings and can be dislodged. If they are serious about rescuing the victims, they should allow my boys and me to chase them out of the forests,” he stated.
The activist further disclosed that although he received Federal Government approval for his security outfit, the Iru Ekun Security Network, the Oyo State Government allegedly barred the group from operating in the state.
He maintained that his concern was solely the safety of the abducted children and insisted that insecurity in the South-West could be effectively tackled if local security groups were allowed to operate.
Igboho also linked the opposition to his security initiative to broader political interests, arguing that some individuals were determined to frustrate Tinubu’s administration.
“It was Tinubu who helped secure my freedom while I was in exile. Why should I fight him? They are trying to make the country ungovernable for him,” he said.
The comments come amid heightened tension following the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, during which no fewer than 45 pupils were reportedly abducted.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
Security agencies have since intensified operations around the forest corridors bordering Oriire communities and the Old Oyo National Park in an effort to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
The situation worsened after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers. A video circulated online allegedly showed the teacher being beheaded after being held captive.
He has reiterated his readiness to work within the provisions of the Executive Order issued by Governor Seyi Makinde regulating the activities of private security organisations in the state, while renewing his call for stronger action against criminal elements operating in South-West forests.
