Youth leader Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that the ongoing insecurity in parts of Oyo State is being influenced by political actors, claiming that some politicians are backing the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Igboho made the remarks on Wednesday during a visit by a delegation led by Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who came to his residence to discuss the worsening security situation.
According to him, the situation surrounding the kidnapping in Oriire is part of what he described as a “game” involving certain political interests, adding that he would publicly name those allegedly involved if the attacks persist.
He further insisted that he and his security team possess the capacity to confront the abductors in the forest if given official approval.
“What happened in Oriire, I have met with the Minister of Defence. I told them to allow me to go into the forest,” Igboho said in Yoruba. “I can deal with these kidnappers. They are human beings, not spirits. They will run away.”
He also accused some unnamed politicians of supporting the criminal groups, warning that he would expose them if the alleged backing does not stop.
However, Igboho claimed that the administration of Seyi Makinde had not granted permission for his proposed security intervention in the state’s forests.
He referenced his security initiative, the “Iru Ekun Security Network,” stating that although it was announced, the state government later issued directives requiring approval for all security-related groups operating within Oyo State.
“I volunteered to go after the terrorists in the bush, but they said we should be patient. How long will we wait?” he said, questioning the approval process.
On May 15, armed men attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the attackers.
Videos allegedly showing some of the abducted victims have since circulated online, triggering widespread public outrage.
The incident has also sparked protests across the country, with members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders demanding urgent action to secure the release of the victims and improve safety in schools.
In response to the worsening security concerns, Governor Makinde had earlier signed an executive order regulating the activities of groups offering security-related services in Oyo State.
