Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho has accused politicians of sponsoring the abduction of 39 Oyo pupils and 7 teachers, vowing to expose their identities if security agencies fail to act.
The activist made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing newly inaugurated executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.
In a viral video circulating online, Igboho alleged that some politicians are sponsoring banditry and kidnapping activities in the state, insisting that he is aware of those involved.
He also claimed that he is capable of confronting the criminals directly, but said his efforts have not been supported or approved by the state government.
Igboho further denied claims that he demanded money from the Oyo State Government in connection with recent rescue efforts following kidnappings in parts of the state.
The activist alleged that his proposed involvement in rescue operations was rejected by the state government, adding that security challenges could be addressed if he and his team were allowed to operate in forested areas.
He also claimed that security agencies warned that any independent attempt to rescue kidnapped victims could endanger their lives.
According to him, he has already set up a security network known as “Iru Ekun”, which he said had received approval from the Federal Government but was being restricted at the state level.
Igboho also alleged that those behind the kidnappings were attempting to destabilise the country and make governance difficult for President Bola Tinubu, drawing parallels with past political unrest.
He claimed that similar tactics were used during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to create instability.
Read the Full Statement By Sunday Igboho below;
“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.
“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.’
“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.
“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?
“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? Igboho queried.
Recall that not less than 46 pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 during an attack by terrorists on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
