Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, has alleged that certain politicians are sponsoring kidnapping activities in Oyo State and threatened to publicly identify those he claims are behind the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area if the incidents continue.
Igboho made the allegations on Wednesday during a meeting with newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.
In a video of the meeting that has since circulated widely on social media, the activist claimed that some political actors were providing financial support and weapons to criminal groups operating within the state.
According to him, he possesses information about individuals allegedly linked to the activities of kidnappers and warned that he would disclose their identities if they failed to discontinue what he described as their involvement in criminal acts.
“If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are neither gnomes nor mannequins; they are humans, so that they could be dislodged. I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. I know them. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said.
Igboho also disclosed that he had offered to assist in efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers but claimed that the Oyo State Government advised against such intervention.
According to him, state authorities later informed him that the abductors had threatened to kill the victims if he attempted to forcefully enter their hideouts in search of the captives.
“Later, they (Oyo government) informed me that the kidnappers said if I try to force myself to come rescue the children, they will kill them all. If they are serious about rescuing the victims, they should tell my boys and me to chase them out of the forests in our regions and see if those people will remain there even with their bombs and sophisticated weapons,” he stated.
The Yoruba Nation campaigner further claimed that despite securing federal approval for his security outfit, known as Iru Ekun, he was discouraged by state authorities from deploying the network to participate in rescue operations.
He argued that local security initiatives could play a significant role in combating criminal activities and reclaiming forest areas allegedly occupied by armed groups.
“After I arranged ‘Iru Ekun’ security network, the Federal Government permitted me, but the state government said no security must take a step behind them. Do we have to wait for him to flood the forests to rescue these children? I’m just concerned about these abductees; nobody can kidnap me, not even my family, because they are spread across Canada and Germany. Why should I fret?” he said.
Igboho also linked the ongoing security challenges in parts of the country to what he described as a broader political agenda aimed at destabilising the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While expressing support for the President, he alleged that some individuals were deliberately working to create insecurity and public dissatisfaction in a manner similar to what he claimed occurred during previous administrations.
“Despite how bad Buhari’s administration is, he completed his tenure. Why are they trying to stop a Yoruba man — Tinubu — from completing his? It was Tinubu who freed me when I was in exile. Why should I tackle him? And why are they trying to ruin his government?” he queried.
He further stated: “The same thing they did to Jonathan is what they are doing to Tinubu. They want to make the country ungovernable for him. They even have fake news propaganda to scare the masses and divert supporters away from the President. Suppose the recent abduction is not a game. In Oyo, they made away with children. I volunteered to go, but the state government said ‘No.’”
The remarks come amid heightened public concern following the abduction of pupils and teachers during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. The incident triggered widespread condemnation, protests, and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and rural communities across the country.
Authorities have continued rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of the victims, while security agencies maintain investigations into the attacks and efforts to track down those responsible.
