Atiku Abubakar’s media aide, Paul Ibe, has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to invite Sunday Igboho for questioning over his claim that he knows the politicians allegedly financing kidnappers responsible for the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.
Ibe made the appeal in a post on X on Thursday, stressing that law enforcement agencies should pursue any useful intelligence that could help secure the release of the victims and expose those behind the criminal operations.
His remarks followed statements made by Igboho during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), where the activist asserted that he was aware of the political figures allegedly supporting kidnapping gangs operating in parts of the South-West.
The comments came amid growing concern over the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has heightened fears about the spread of kidnapping activities into areas previously regarded as relatively secure.
Responding to the allegations, Ibe said security agencies should immediately engage Igboho if he possesses information that could aid investigations and assist in rescuing the victims.
He maintained that every available strategy should be explored to ensure the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
Ibe also used the opportunity to highlight broader security concerns across the country, questioning what he described as the Federal Government’s limited response to the reported kidnapping of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15, 2026.
Drawing comparisons between the reactions to the incidents in Oyo and Borno states, he questioned why the government had not shown the same level of attention to the Borno abductions and called for stronger intervention measures in vulnerable states.
Meanwhile, Igboho insisted that the kidnappers could be driven out if decisive action was taken against them. He claimed to know the politicians allegedly providing the criminals with weapons and financial support and warned that he would publicly identify them if the activities continued.
The exchange has once again drawn national attention to the issue of school security and the persistent threat posed by kidnapping syndicates across the country.
For years, Nigeria has witnessed repeated attacks on educational institutions, particularly in the northern region, leading to renewed calls for improved intelligence gathering, stronger community-based security measures, and enhanced protection for schools and vulnerable communities.
Although security agencies have yet to publicly respond to either Igboho’s allegations or Ibe’s request, the development is expected to increase pressure on authorities to investigate claims of political backing for criminal groups and intensify efforts to secure the release of those still being held captive.
The controversy has also reignited concerns about the relationship between politics and insecurity, a subject that remains central to discussions on kidnapping, banditry, and violent crime across various parts of the country.