Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said he has the capacity to rescue the pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area if he is given permission to enter the forest and confront the kidnappers.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Wednesday during a visit by a delegation of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) led by its president, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, Igboho alleged that politicians were backing the criminal groups responsible for kidnappings and other security challenges across the country.
The activist said he had already discussed the matter with the Minister of Defence and expressed readiness to lead an operation against the abductors.
“What happened here (referring to the abduction in Oriire), I have met with the minister of defence. We spoke and I told him that they should give me permission to enter the forest.
“I’m boasting, I can tackle these kidnappers. I swear by my creator, they (kidnappers) will run away.
“They are not evil spirits. They are humans. Some politicians are backing them. I have said that if the politicians supporting them don’t stop, I will mention their names.”
Igboho further claimed that Governor Seyi Makinde is aware of his ability to help secure the release of the victims but has not approved his security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, to take action.
“I told them that I have volunteered myself and my team to face the terrorists in the bush. They said we should be patient. How long are we going to exercise patience?
“The governor knows that I have the capacity to do something about it (referring to the abduction of Oriire schoolchildren). Why is he not allowing me to face them?
“I arranged the Iru Ekun Security Network and the federal government approved it. As I was announcing the security outfit, the state government immediately said every security outfit must seek approval before doing anything. Should he (Makinde) have said that?
“We said we can face the kidnappers, do we need any approval?”
The comments come amid growing concern over the fate of the victims abducted during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire LGA on May 15. About 39 pupils and seven teachers were reportedly taken by the gunmen, making it one of the most alarming school abductions recorded in Oyo State in recent years.
Public outrage intensified after Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers. Videos showing some of the remaining captives have also circulated on social media, prompting renewed calls for urgent action.
The incident has triggered protests by members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), students and civil society groups demanding the safe return of those still in captivity.
Following the abduction, Governor Makinde signed an executive order regulating the activities of private groups and associations offering security-related services in the state, requiring them to obtain official approval before operating. Igboho, however, insists that such restrictions are preventing willing volunteers from joining efforts to tackle insecurity.
