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Sunday Igboho Alleges Politicians Back Oyo Kidnappers, Threatens to Expose Sponsors

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Promise Odejide

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Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that some politicians are backing the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State and threatened to expose those involved if the attacks continue.

He made the claim during a meeting with newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in Soka, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

Igboho claims knowledge of sponsors

Igboho said he has information about individuals allegedly sponsoring criminal groups operating in parts of the state, insisting that the kidnappers would be defeated if security operatives and local vigilante groups were allowed to operate freely in forest areas.

“I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said.

Allegations against political actors

The activist further alleged that some political actors were deliberately creating instability to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed 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 use propaganda and fake news to discourage supporters of the President,” he stated.

Claims over rescue efforts

Igboho also denied reports that he demanded payment from the Oyo State Government before participating in rescue operations, saying he had offered to help flush out kidnappers but was restricted by authorities.

He claimed that officials informed him kidnappers had threatened to kill abducted victims if he attempted direct intervention.

“Later, they told me the kidnappers warned that if I forced my way into the operation, they would kill all the children. If they truly want these victims rescued, they should allow my men and me to drive the criminals out of the forests,” he said.

Background to Oyo abductions

The controversy follows the abduction of at least 45 pupils during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.

The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.

The incident has heightened security concerns in the state, with agencies reportedly intensifying operations around forest corridors linking Oriire communities and the Old Oyo National Park area.

Reports also indicated that attackers communicated in Yoruba, Hausa and Pidgin English during the assault, while tensions escalated further after one of the abducted teachers was reportedly killed.

Igboho has continued to advocate for the deployment of his proposed security outfit, the “Iru Ekun Security Network,” insisting it could help tackle criminal groups operating within forests across the South-West.

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