Sunday Igboho Threatens To Release Names Of Politicians Behind Oyo Students’ Abduction

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that some politicians are sponsoring criminal activities in Oyo State and warned that he may publicly expose those involved in the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area.

Igboho made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving 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 gained traction online, the activist claimed he possesses information about individuals allegedly backing kidnappers operating in the state and threatened to reveal their identities if the attacks continue.

“I know the politicians behind them, and if they refuse to stop these evil acts, I will mention their names publicly,” he said. “They are the ones providing them with ammunition and financial support.”

Igboho also disclosed that he had volunteered to participate in efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils but said the Oyo State Government declined his offer.

According to him, authorities later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the children if he attempted to intervene directly.

“If I am allowed to enter their hideouts, they will run away. They are human beings and can be flushed out,” he stated. “But I was told that if I forced my way into the rescue operation, the abductors would kill all the children.”

The activist insisted that he never requested financial compensation from the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde in connection with any rescue effort.

He further argued that local security personnel familiar with the terrain could effectively drive criminals out of forest hideouts if granted official backing.

“Let my men and I go after them in the forests and see whether they will remain there, even with all their weapons,” he said.

Igboho also revisited the controversy surrounding his proposed security outfit, “Iru Ekun,” claiming that although he obtained federal approval for the initiative, the state government discouraged its operation.

“After I arranged the Iru Ekun security network, the Federal Government gave approval, but the state government insisted that no security structure should operate independently of them,” he said.

The activist linked the country's worsening security challenges to what he described as politically motivated attempts to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Drawing parallels with the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, he alleged that certain political actors were deliberately creating instability to weaken the current government.

“The same thing they did to Jonathan is what they are doing to Tinubu. They want to make the country ungovernable for him,” Igboho claimed.

He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, saying the President played a role in facilitating his return from exile.

“It was Tinubu who helped secure my freedom when I was in exile. Why would I work against him?” he asked.

The comments come weeks after a reported attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during which at least 45 pupils were abducted.

The affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, prompting widespread concern over the security situation in the area.