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Activist runs into problem over abduction claims
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, media aide, Paul Ibe, has called on security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to invite Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho to provide information on individuals allegedly behind the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Ibe made the call in a post on X on Thursday, following claims by Igboho that he knew the politicians sponsoring the kidnappers responsible for the abductions.
According to Ibe, security agencies should pursue every available lead that could aid efforts to secure the safe release of the victims, including any information in Igboho’s possession.
“Since Sunday Igboho claims to know those behind the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, I think that the State Security Service (SSS) and other security agencies need to invite him to release those names to them,” Ibe wrote.
“Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the school children and teachers.”
Igboho made the allegations while receiving members of the National Association of Nigerian Students at his residence in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The activist claimed he was aware of politicians backing the kidnappers and threatened to expose them if the attacks continued. He also alleged that although he had obtained federal approval for his security outfit, Iru Ekun, the Oyo State Government prevented the group from operating. According to him, any attempt to launch a rescue mission without proper coordination could put the lives of the abducted children at risk.
Ibe further questioned the Federal Government’s response to the reported abduction of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15, 2026.
He accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of paying greater attention to the Oriire incident than to the Borno abduction.
“Who knows those behind the abduction of over 50 school children in Mussa, Borno State on May 15, 2026? Why is Tinubu and his government mute over the Borno abduction? Are those school children not Nigerians?” Ibe asked.
He also questioned when the Federal Government would send a delegation to Mussa similar to the one dispatched following the Oriire abduction and called for the deployment of forest guards to Borno and other vulnerable states as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.
The comments come amid growing concern over recurring cases of mass abductions and insecurity in parts of the country, with calls mounting for stronger preventive measures and more coordinated security responses.