The leader of the Yoruba Nation movement and security advocate, Sunday Igboho, has alleged that some politicians are supporting the armed groups responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that he could publicly identify those involved if the attacks persist.
Igboho made the claim on Wednesday during a meeting with the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), as concerns continue to mount over the fate of students and teachers abducted from schools in the area.
Gunmen had stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, kidnapping 39 pupils and seven teachers. One teacher was reportedly killed during the attack, which drew widespread condemnation and renewed fears over the safety of schools.
The incident also sparked protests by teachers’ unions and youth groups, who have called for urgent government intervention to secure the release of the victims and strengthen security around educational institutions.
During the meeting, Igboho said he has the capacity to help rescue the abducted victims but claimed that he has not received the required backing from the Oyo State Government.
“Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde knows I have the capacity to rescue the Oriire kidnapping victims, so why hasn’t he granted me permission?” he said.
He further stated that while the federal government approved his proposed Iru Ekun Security Network, the initiative was not endorsed by the state government.
Igboho also accused some political actors of financing and arming the kidnappers operating in the region.
“These terrorists are not aliens; they have the backup of some politicians. They are the ones giving them money and ammunition. And if the politicians behind them don’t stop, I am going to name all of them because I know them,” he said.
According to him, the alleged sponsors are pursuing political objectives.
“They are trying to do what they did to Jonathan to Tinubu,” he added.
The activist maintained that he is prepared to confront the kidnappers if given the opportunity.
“If I’m given the opportunity to face these bandits, I’ll flush them out,” he stated.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has condemned the abductions, describing them as barbaric, and assured that the Federal Government is committed to securing the release of the victims.
The president directed the deployment of a specialized rescue team to the affected area and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to reinforce security operations in Oyo State.
A federal delegation comprising senior security officials was also sent to the area to support and coordinate rescue efforts.
Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged the deployment of federal security personnel, noting that they are working with state authorities to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Security sources disclosed that tactical and intelligence teams are continuing operations across forests and remote communities as efforts intensify to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
