Popular Yoruba Nation activist, 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 identify them if the attacks continue.
Igboho made the claim on Wednesday while receiving newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.
In a video from the meeting that has circulated online, the activist accused some political figures of providing financial and logistical support to criminal elements operating in the state.
“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,” he said.
Igboho also claimed that the insecurity being experienced in parts of the country is part of a wider plot to undermine the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“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,” he alleged.
Speaking on the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, Igboho maintained that he was willing to assist in rescue operations but was prevented from doing so by the state government.
“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,” he stated.
According to him, state authorities later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the abducted children if he attempted to intervene.
“Later, they informed me that the kidnappers said if I try to force myself to come rescue the children, they will kill them all,” he said.
The activist further argued that local security efforts could be more effective if given the opportunity to operate freely in forested areas believed to be occupied by criminal gangs.
“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,” he added.
Igboho also disclosed that his security outfit, known as “Iru Ekun,” had reportedly received approval from the Federal Government but was unable to function in Oyo State due to restrictions imposed by the state authorities.
“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,” he claimed.
While expressing concern over the plight of the abducted victims, Igboho reiterated his support for President Tinubu, whom he credited with helping secure his freedom during his period of exile.
“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?” he queried.
The Oyo State Government has yet to officially respond to the allegations made by the activist.
