Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to reveal the identities of politicians he alleged are behind the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Igboho made the allegation while addressing 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.
In a video of the meeting that has since gone viral on social media, the activist claimed that some politicians were sponsoring criminal activities in parts of the country by providing bandits with financial support and weapons. He said he would publicly name those involved if they failed to stop what he described as their evil activities.
The activist also claimed that he had volunteered to assist in rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.
According to him, he never demanded money from the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde before offering his support in efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“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,” Igboho said.
He maintained that bandits operating in forests across parts of the South-West could be driven out if local security groups were allowed to confront them directly.
“If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are humans and can be dislodged,” he said.
Igboho further alleged that after he volunteered to help rescue the abducted children, state authorities informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the victims if he became involved in the operation.
“Later, they informed me that the kidnappers said if I try to force myself to come rescue the children, they will kill them all,” he said.
The activist argued that local hunters and members of his security outfit could successfully pursue the criminals in forest areas if they were given approval to do so.
He said, “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.”
Igboho also spoke about his private security network known as “Iru Ekun.” According to him, he received approval from the Federal Government to establish the outfit but was later restricted from operating by the Oyo State Government.
He claimed that state authorities warned him against taking independent security actions and advised him not to intervene in the ongoing rescue efforts.
“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,” he stated.
The activist used the opportunity to link the security challenges facing the country to political activities, alleging that some individuals were deliberately trying to destabilise the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the same forces that allegedly worked against former President Goodluck Jonathan were now targeting 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 even have fake news propaganda to scare the masses and divert supporters away from the President,” he said.
Igboho also recalled his relationship with Tinubu, saying the President supported him during the period he was in exile outside Nigeria.
“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 asked.
The comments come amid growing concern over the fate of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State last month.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
Reports indicated that more than 45 pupils, alongside teachers and other school workers, were taken away by heavily armed gunmen who invaded the schools during school hours.
The incident shocked residents of Oyo State and triggered nationwide outrage, with parents, community leaders and civil society groups demanding urgent action from security agencies.
Following the attack, security forces launched search operations and reportedly sealed off possible escape routes used by the kidnappers.
The suspects were believed to have fled into forest areas bordering communities in Oriire Local Government and the Old Oyo National Park axis.
The crisis took a tragic turn days later when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
A disturbing video allegedly released by the criminals showed the teacher being beheaded, an incident that further heightened public anger and fears over the safety of the remaining captives.
The killing drew widespread condemnation from Nigerians, with many calling for stronger measures to tackle kidnapping and banditry across the country.
In recent years, school abductions have become a major security concern in several parts of Nigeria. Criminal groups have repeatedly targeted schools, especially in rural communities, where security presence is often limited.
Although many victims in previous cases were eventually rescued or released, the attacks have continued to raise concerns about the safety of students and teachers.
Meanwhile, Igboho expressed readiness to comply with the Executive Order recently introduced by the Oyo State Government to regulate the activities of private security organisations operating within the state.
The order was issued by Governor Makinde as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of private security outfits and ensure coordination with official security agencies.
As rescue efforts continue, families of the abducted pupils and teachers remain hopeful that the victims will return home safely. Security agencies have repeatedly assured residents that operations are ongoing and that every effort is being made to secure the release of those still in captivity.