Invite Igboho to name politicians backing kidnappers, Atiku’s aide tells DSS

Media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to invite Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo to disclose the identities of politicians he alleged are sponsoring kidnappers responsible for the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.

Ibe made the call on Thursday in a post on X, arguing that security agencies should explore every credible lead capable of assisting efforts to rescue the victims and dismantle criminal networks behind the attacks.

His comments followed recent remarks by Sunday Igboho during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), where the activist claimed to know politicians allegedly backing kidnappers operating in parts of the South-West.

The controversy comes amid growing concern over the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has heightened fears about the spread of kidnapping and insecurity into communities previously regarded as relatively safe.

Reacting to Igboho’s allegations, Ibe said security agencies should immediately engage him if he possesses information capable of advancing ongoing investigations.

“Since Sunday Igboho claims to know those behind the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, I think the State Security Service and other security agencies should invite him to disclose those names,” Ibe said.

“Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the schoolchildren and teachers.”

The former vice president’s aide also broadened the discussion to the wider security challenges confronting the country, questioning what he described as the Federal Government’s muted response to the reported abduction of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15.

Drawing comparisons between official reactions to incidents in Oyo and Borno states, Ibe queried the disparity in attention given to the two cases.

“Who knows those behind the abduction of over 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15, 2026?” he asked.

“Why is the Tinubu government silent over the Borno abduction? Are those schoolchildren not Nigerians? When will the Commander-in-Chief send a delegation to Mussa as was done in the case of Oriire?

“When will Borno and other vulnerable states get their own forest guards? Why wait for tragedy before taking action to address insecurity?”

Earlier, Igboho had insisted that kidnappers operating in the South-West could be driven out through decisive action and alleged that some politicians were providing logistical and financial support to criminal groups.

“If I am permitted to enter their hideouts, they will flee. They are humans and can be dislodged,” he said.

“I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop their activities, I will mention their names. They are the ones providing ammunition and financial support.”

The exchange has renewed public attention on school safety and the persistent threat posed by kidnapping gangs across different parts of the country.

Nigeria has witnessed a series of mass abductions targeting schools over the past decade, particularly in northern states, prompting repeated calls for improved intelligence gathering, stronger community policing and enhanced protection for vulnerable communities.

While security agencies have yet to publicly respond to either Igboho’s allegations or Ibe’s demand, the development is expected to increase pressure on authorities to investigate claims of political sponsorship of criminal groups and intensify efforts to secure the release of victims still in captivity.

The allegations have also reignited concerns about the intersection of politics, criminality and insecurity, an issue that continues to feature prominently in national conversations as Nigeria battles kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.

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