Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to invite Yoruba nation activist Sunday Igboho for questioning over his claims that politicians are financing the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.
In a post on X on Thursday, Ibe argued that security services should act on any credible information that could help rescue victims and dismantle criminal networks.
His call followed Igboho’s remarks during a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students, in which the activist alleged that he knew the politicians behind kidnappers operating in parts of the South-West. The comments came amid rising concern over the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State – an incident that has heightened fears of kidnapping spreading into regions traditionally seen as safer.
“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 said. “Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the school children and teachers.”
Ibe also questioned the Federal Government’s muted response to the reported abduction of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15, 2026. Drawing a contrast with the official reaction to the Oyo incident, he asked: “Why is Tinubu and his government mute over the Borno abduction? Are those school children not Nigerians? When will the Commander-in-Chief and Consoler-in-Chief send a delegation to Mussa like it did in the case of Oriire?”
Speaking to his visitors, Igboho had said: “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. I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money.”
The exchange has refocused national attention on school safety and the persistent threat of kidnapping gangs across Nigeria. Over the past decade, mass abductions targeting schools – particularly in northern states – have prompted repeated calls for stronger intelligence gathering, community policing and enhanced protection for vulnerable communities.
Security agencies have yet to respond publicly to either Igboho’s allegations or Ibe’s demand. However, the comments are likely to increase pressure on authorities to investigate claims of political sponsorship of criminal groups and to secure the release of victims still in captivity. The allegations also underscore growing concerns over the intersection of politics, criminality and insecurity – a central issue in national debate as Nigeria continues to grapple with kidnapping, banditry and violent crime across several regions.
