DSS question Sunday Igboho, Atiku aide Paul Ibe urges, after claims that politicians are sponsoring kidnappers in Oyo State
Mr Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Department of State Services and other security agencies to invite Yoruba nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo to disclose the identities of politicians he alleged are sponsoring kidnappers operating in Oyo State.
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Ibe made the call on Thursday in a post on X, arguing that security agencies should pursue every credible lead capable of helping authorities rescue abducted students and teachers and dismantle criminal networks responsible for the attacks.
The demand follows recent remarks by Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
During the meeting, Igboho claimed he knew politicians allegedly supporting kidnapping gangs in parts of the South-West and warned that he could publicly identify them if the activities continued.
“If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are neither gnomes nor mannequins; they are humans, so they can be dislodged,” he said.
“I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. I know them. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money.”
The comments came amid growing concern over the abduction of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, a development that has heightened fears about the spread of kidnapping across communities in the South-West.
Reacting to the allegations, Ibe said security agencies should immediately seek clarification from Igboho if he possesses information that could advance ongoing investigations.
“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 and other security agencies need to invite him to release those names to them,” Ibe stated.
“Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the school children and teachers.”
Beyond the Oyo kidnappings, Ibe also questioned what he described as a limited response by the Federal Government to the reported abduction of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15.
He compared the official reactions to both incidents and called for equal attention to victims in all affected communities.
“By the way, who knows those behind the abduction of over 50 school children in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15, 2026?” he asked.
“Why is Tinubu and his government mute over the Borno abduction? Are those school children not Nigerians?”
Ibe further questioned when vulnerable states such as Borno would receive enhanced security measures, including the deployment of forest guards to combat insecurity.
The call for the DSS Question Sunday Igboho follows renewed national debate over school safety, intelligence gathering and allegations that criminal groups may be receiving support from influential individuals.
Nigeria has experienced several mass abductions targeting schools over the past decade, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities, prompting repeated calls for stronger security coordination and protection of educational institutions.
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As of Thursday, security agencies had not publicly responded to Igboho’s allegations or Ibe’s request. However, the claims are expected to increase pressure on investigators to examine any information that could assist in identifying those behind recent kidnappings and securing the release of victims still being held captive.
