Igboho promises to reveal politicians behind Oyo school kidnap, claims he could have eliminated criminals

Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, a figure in the Yoruba Nation movement, has ignited controversy by threatening to disclose the identities of politicians allegedly funding kidnapping operations in Oyo State, specifically connected to the recent school abductions in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to Badagry Today, Igboho made his accusations during a meeting with the newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde, at his home in Ibadan. In a now-viral video, he asserted that he has comprehensive information about politicians who are allegedly providing financial support and weapons to criminal factions involved in kidnappings and other violent acts in the area.

He emphasized that he would reveal these politicians if they fail to cease what he referred to as their malevolent actions. According to Igboho, these politicians are not only financing the criminals but also supplying them with ammunition, thereby facilitating their operations throughout the South-West.

“I am aware of the politicians behind this, and if they don’t stop their wicked acts, I will name them,” he stated, alleging that their involvement is linked to a broader political agenda aimed at destabilizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He highlighted the worsening security issues in the country, comparing them to the challenges faced during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s term, suggesting that similar influences are at play once more.

Regarding the recent kidnappings in Oriire, Igboho expressed his willingness to lead efforts to eliminate the kidnappers from their dens but claimed that the Oyo State Government obstructed his plans. He asserted that his presence could have driven the criminals out of their forest hideouts.

“If I’m allowed to invade their hideouts, they will run away. They are just human beings and can be driven away. I offered to go, but the government denied me permission,” he explained.

Igboho further mentioned that officials informed him the kidnappers had threatened to kill the abducted children if he attempted a rescue without official sanction. He insisted, however, that his security network was capable of evicting the criminal elements from the region.

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He addressed and refuted claims that he sought financial gain from Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration before extending his aid in the rescue efforts, asserting that his main focus was on the safety of the kidnapped children and teachers.

He took the opportunity to discuss his newly formed security group, the Iru Ekun Security Network, which he claimed was approved by the Federal Government to bolster local security. However, he alleged that the state government was limiting the network’s operations and discouraging independent rescue efforts.

“After I established the Iru Ekun Security Network, the Federal Government gave its approval, but the state government insists no security outfit can act without their consent. If they genuinely want to rescue the victims, they should allow my team to enter the forests and drive these criminals out,” he explained.

Igboho also defended President Tinubu, asserting he had no motivation to oppose him, as Tinubu was instrumental in securing his release during his period of exile. He questioned, “Why should I be against him? Why are some individuals trying to sabotage his administration?”

This controversy follows the attack on May 15, when gunmen abducted around 45 students and staff from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, leading to public outrage and rising fears regarding insecurity in Oyo State. The situation intensified further after one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly executed, with a disturbing video of the act circulating online, prompting renewed calls for action against criminal groups.

In response to the increasing pressure to recover the remaining captives, Igboho’s claims and threats to unmask the supposed political sponsors of the insecurity have introduced a new and potentially volatile element to the ongoing crisis.