Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to summon Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho to assist investigations into the alleged sponsors behind the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.
Ibe made the call on Thursday following Igboho’s claim that he knew the politicians backing the kidnappers responsible for the recent school abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to him, security agencies should pursue every legitimate lead that could help secure the release of the victims and dismantle networks behind the growing wave of kidnappings.
“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 wrote on X.
He added that all available options should be explored to accelerate efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers and bringing those responsible to justice.
The call follows growing concern over insecurity in parts of the country after dozens of schoolchildren and teachers were abducted in Oyo State.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against criminal groups operating across forests and rural communities.
It would be recalled that Igboho earlier claimed, during a meeting with officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ibadan, that he was aware of politicians allegedly backing kidnappers in the South-West.
He warned that he would reveal their identities if the attacks continued.
The activist also claimed that although he obtained federal approval for his proposed security outfit, “Iru Ekun,” the Oyo State Government blocked its operations, arguing that independent rescue efforts could endanger the lives of the abducted victims.
Beyond the Oyo incident, Ibe questioned what he described as the Federal Government’s limited response to another reported abduction involving schoolchildren in Borno State.
He argued that victims of insecurity across the country deserved equal attention and protection regardless of location.
The Atiku aide also urged authorities to strengthen preventive security measures, including enhanced surveillance in vulnerable communities and forest areas, to disrupt kidnappers and insurgents before they can carry out attacks.