I can rescue Ogbomoso schoolchildren but Governor Makinde hasn’t granted permission – Igboho

Yoruba Nation seperatist leader, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has claimed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is aware of how the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area could be rescued, as calls grow for stronger action over the incident.

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Igboho made the remarks on Wednesday, June 3, when the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, led a delegation to his residence. He alleged that the worsening insecurity in the country is being influenced by political actors, describing the situation as a “game” involving members of the political class.

According to him, the kidnappers behind the attack are being supported by some politicians, adding that he intends to expose those allegedly backing them. “I’m boasting, I can tackle these kidnappers. I swear by my creator, they will run away,” he said.

Igboho also claimed he had met with the Minister of Defence and requested permission to enter the forests to confront the abductors, insisting he and his team have the capacity to dislodge them if authorised. He alleged that some individuals within the political class are sponsoring criminal groups and warned that he would reveal names if the support does not stop.

On the operations of his security initiative, Igboho said his group, the Iru Ekun Security Network, had not been fully allowed to operate in Oyo State. He said the state government required security outfits to obtain approval before operating, following an executive order signed by Governor Makinde regulating such groups.

Igboho questioned the restriction, insisting that his team was ready to act but had been asked to be patient. “We said we can face the kidnappers, do we need any approval?” he asked. He further said he had volunteered himself and his team to enter the forests but was restrained by official processes.

On May 15, gunmen had attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting students and teachers, an incident that later led to the killing of one of the abducted teachers.

The abduction sparked widespread outrage and protests by education stakeholders, including members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers. In response to rising insecurity, Governor Makinde had signed an executive order regulating the activities of security-related groups operating within the state.