Oyo School Abduction: Atiku’s Aide Urges DSS to Question Sunday Igboho Over Claims of Political Sponsors

Oyo School Abduction: Atiku’s Aide Urges DSS to Question Sunday Igboho Over Claims of Political Sponsors

The media aide to former Nigerian Vice President, Paul Ibe, has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to invite Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, for questioning following allegations that he knows politicians sponsoring kidnappers responsible for recent school abductions in Oyo State.

Ibe’s call comes amid growing national concern over the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has intensified debates about insecurity and the role of influential actors in Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis. According to reports, Igboho recently claimed he was aware of individuals allegedly backing the criminal groups behind the abductions and threatened to reveal their identities publicly.

Reacting to the claim, Ibe argued that security agencies should immediately engage Igboho if he possesses credible intelligence that could assist ongoing rescue efforts and investigations. He stated that every lawful option should be explored to secure the safe release of abducted pupils and teachers and to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.

The Atiku aide further questioned the Federal Government’s response to broader security challenges across the country, drawing attention to reports of other school abductions, including incidents in northeastern Nigeria. He called for a more comprehensive and equitable national security strategy to address the growing threat posed by kidnappers and armed criminal groups.

The controversy follows remarks made by Igboho during a meeting with student leaders, where he alleged that some politicians were financing and equipping kidnappers operating in parts of southwestern Nigeria. He also claimed he had offered assistance in rescue operations involving abducted schoolchildren but was unable to participate due to circumstances involving state authorities.

The Oriire abduction has become one of the most discussed security incidents in southwestern Nigeria in recent weeks. Reports indicate that dozens of pupils and teachers were taken during coordinated attacks on schools, sparking public protests, school closures, and renewed calls for stronger security measures across vulnerable communities.

Security analysts have warned that the incident reflects a broader expansion of kidnapping networks beyond their traditional strongholds, raising concerns about the evolving nature of insecurity in Nigeria. The case has also renewed public scrutiny of intelligence gathering, community protection mechanisms, and government responses to emerging security threats.

As of the time of reporting, neither the DSS nor other federal security agencies had publicly responded to Ibe’s call for the questioning of Igboho. Likewise, no official evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate the allegations regarding political sponsorship of the kidnappers. Investigations and rescue efforts remain ongoing.