Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to reveal the identities of politicians he claims are sponsoring kidnappers responsible for the abduction of dozens of students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Speaking during a meeting with newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students led by Akinteye Bà bà tunde at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, Igboho alleged that influential political figures were providing financial and logistical support to criminal groups operating within the region.
He warned that he would publicly identify those involved if the attacks and kidnappings continued.
In a video that has since gained widespread attention online, the activist maintained that he possesses information about individuals backing the armed groups and accused them of contributing to insecurity for political reasons.
According to him, some politicians were allegedly supplying funds and ammunition to bandits, enabling them to sustain their operations across affected communities.
Igboho also disclosed that he had volunteered to participate in efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted pupils but claimed that the Oyo State Government declined his involvement. He said he was prepared to confront the kidnappers in their forest hideouts, insisting that the criminals could be dislodged if security forces and local operatives were allowed to take decisive action against them.
According to the activist, state authorities later informed him that the abductors had threatened to kill the victims if he attempted to intervene directly. He argued that the warning prevented him from deploying his supporters to pursue the kidnappers and rescue the students.
The activist further alleged that the current wave of insecurity was being fuelled by individuals seeking to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He claimed that some political actors were deliberately creating instability in a manner similar to previous efforts aimed at weakening past governments, arguing that such actions were intended to make the country difficult to govern.
Igboho said he had no personal interest in the matter beyond ensuring the safe return of the victims and improving security in the South-West. He stressed that his concern was focused on protecting communities from criminal elements and restoring confidence among residents affected by recurring attacks.
He also spoke about his proposed security outfit, known as the Iru Ekun Security Network, stating that he had secured approval from the Federal Government to establish the initiative. However, he claimed that state authorities discouraged its operation and insisted that no security arrangement should function independently of the government’s framework.
The comments come weeks after armed men reportedly attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 and abducted no fewer than 45 pupils. The affected institutions included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School.
Tension increased further after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed. A video said to have been released by the kidnappers showed the teacher being beheaded after being held captive, a development that drew outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against criminal groups operating in the region.
Despite the controversy surrounding his remarks, Igboho reiterated his willingness to work within existing legal frameworks and expressed readiness to comply with the executive order introduced by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to regulate private security operations in Oyo State.
