Sunday Igboho Alleges Politicians Behind Oyo Kidnappings, Threatens to Expose Sponsors

Popular Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that certain politicians are behind the recent wave of kidnappings in Oyo State, warning that he may publicly expose them if they fail to stop sponsoring criminal activities.

Igboho made the claim on Wednesday while hosting the newly elected executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.

In a video from the meeting that has since circulated widely on social media, the activist claimed that some political actors were providing financial and logistical support to kidnappers operating in the state.

According to him, he has repeatedly offered to assist security efforts against bandits but has been prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.

“I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop their evil acts, I will mention their names. They are the ones supplying them with ammunition and money,” Igboho alleged.

He further claimed that the perpetrators were attempting to destabilise the country and undermine the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“The same thing they did during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan is what they are doing now. They want to make the country ungovernable for President Tinubu,” he said.

Igboho also dismissed allegations that he demanded money from the Oyo State Government to facilitate the rescue of victims abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The activist maintained that he was willing to mobilise his supporters to confront the kidnappers but was discouraged from doing so. According to him, state authorities informed him that the abductors had threatened to kill the captives if he attempted a rescue operation.

“If I am allowed to enter their hideouts, they will flee. They are human beings and can be driven out. Tell my boys and me to clear them from the forests and see whether they will remain there,” he said.

Igboho also revealed that his community-based security outfit, known as “Iru Ekun,” had received federal approval but was yet to be allowed to operate fully in Oyo State.

He expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the state and questioned what he described as efforts by some individuals to frustrate President Tinubu’s administration.

“It was Tinubu who helped secure my freedom when I was in exile. I have no reason to work against him. Those trying to ruin his government should stop,” he added.

The comments come weeks after gunmen abducted at least 46 pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

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

Neither the Oyo State Government nor security agencies had responded to Igboho’s allegations as of the time of filing this report.