Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that some politicians are behind the recent abduction of students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, vowing to publicly name them if the attacks persist.
Igboho made the claim during a meeting with newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan on Wednesday.
In a video circulating online, the activist said he was prepared to mobilise his security network to flush out kidnappers from forest areas, but was allegedly restricted by government authorities.
He claimed that he had volunteered to assist in rescue operations following the abduction of pupils and students in the state, but said the Oyo State Government declined his involvement.
According to him, intelligence available to him suggests that certain political actors are sponsoring criminal groups operating in forested areas across the South-West.
“I know the politicians behind them, and if they continue, I will expose them,” he said, alleging that such individuals are supplying money and weapons to the armed groups responsible for the attacks.
Igboho also insisted that he had no financial demands from the Oyo State Government in relation to rescue operations, stating that his motivation was strictly to assist in freeing abducted victims.
He further referenced his proposed security initiative, “Iru Ekun,” noting that although he claimed to have received federal backing, he was allegedly prevented from operating in Oyo State.
The activist also criticised what he described as limitations placed on local security initiatives, arguing that more aggressive action was needed to flush out armed groups from forest reserves.
His comments come in the wake of the May 15 attack in which armed men reportedly abducted dozens of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire LGA, triggering widespread concern across the state.
One of the abducted teachers was later killed, heightening tensions and prompting intensified security operations in forested border communities.
Security agencies have since continued search-and-rescue efforts, while government and community leaders have called for coordinated action to prevent further attacks on schools and rural settlements.
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