Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho has accused unnamed politicians of sponsoring the armed gangs behind the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, vowing to publicly expose them if the support continues.
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Igboho condemned the 15 May 2026 attack on multiple schools in Oriire Local Government Area. At least 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken, and one teacher was later confirmed killed after a video of the incident emerged.
The abduction has triggered protests by teachers’ unions and youth groups, demanding urgent government action. Public anger continues to grow across communities hit by the worsening security crisis.
Igboho claimed he has the capacity to rescue the captives but has been blocked by the Oyo State Government.
“Governor Seyi Makinde knows I can rescue the Oriire victims. Why hasn’t he granted me permission?” Igboho said. “I established the ‘Iru Ekun’ Security Network with federal approval, but the state government disapproved.”
He further alleged that politicians are financing and arming the bandits.
“These terrorists are not aliens; they have the backing of some politicians who give them money and ammunition. If those politicians do not stop, I will name all of them because I know them,” he warned. “They are trying to do to Tinubu what they did to Jonathan.”
Igboho vowed that if given the authority, he would confront the kidnappers directly. “If I’m given the opportunity to face these bandits, I will flush them out,” he said.
Federal and state response
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the abductions as “barbaric” and pledged federal support for rescue operations. He ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to assist security agencies in Oyo State.
A high‑level federal delegation, including senior security officials, has been dispatched to Oriire to co‑ordinate efforts to secure the release of the pupils and teachers.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that federal security operatives have been deployed in the state for weeks, working alongside state officials on rescue efforts. Government sources say tactical and intelligence teams are combing forests and hinterland areas to locate the captives and apprehend their abductors.
Growing public alarm
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called for immediate and decisive action, describing the victims’ prolonged captivity as “barbaric and unacceptable”. Youth groups from Ogbomoso and neighbouring areas have also appealed to federal and state governments to intensify efforts and secure the safe return of those taken.
The crisis has sparked widespread anxiety, with public school attendance falling in some communities due to fear of further attacks.