Fresh controversy has emerged over the ongoing abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State after Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, called on the Department of State Services and other security agencies to invite Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho for questioning over claims that he knows those sponsoring kidnappers in the South-West.
Ibe made the call amid growing anxiety over the fate of students and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to him, security agencies should immediately take advantage of any information that could help secure the release of the victims and dismantle criminal networks responsible for the attacks.
The demand followed recent remarks by Sunday Igboho during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, where he claimed to know certain politicians allegedly sponsoring kidnappers operating within the region. Igboho stated that those behind the criminal activities were providing funds and ammunition to the kidnappers and warned that he could publicly reveal their identities if the situation continued. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Reacting to the claims, Ibe argued that security agencies have a responsibility to investigate such allegations thoroughly. He maintained that if Igboho possesses credible intelligence capable of helping authorities rescue the abducted students and teachers, he should be invited to share the information with investigators. According to him, every possible option should be explored to accelerate the safe return of the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
The call comes as concerns continue to mount over insecurity in Oyo State following the shocking abduction of pupils and teachers, an incident that has drawn national attention and triggered widespread condemnation. Student groups, labour unions, community leaders, and political stakeholders have all intensified demands for swift government action to secure the release of those still in captivity.
Ibe also used the opportunity to question the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity across the country, citing reports of other mass abductions and attacks in different states. He expressed concern over what he described as unequal levels of attention given to security incidents and called for a more proactive national response to the growing threat posed by kidnappers and armed criminal groups.
The latest development has further intensified public debate over the alleged involvement of influential individuals in criminal activities and the urgent need for stronger intelligence gathering to tackle insecurity. While security agencies have yet to officially respond to either Igboho’s allegations or Ibe’s request, many Nigerians believe the claims warrant a thorough investigation, particularly given the seriousness of the ongoing school abduction crisis.
As efforts continue to secure the freedom of the kidnapped students and teachers, the spotlight is now firmly on security authorities to determine the credibility of the allegations and ensure that anyone connected to the sponsorship of criminal activities is identified and held accountable. The incident has once again highlighted the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s security architecture and the growing urgency for decisive action against kidnapping and violent crime.
