A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to invite Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, for questioning over his claims that he knows politicians allegedly linked to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media adviser, made the call in a post on social media on Thursday, arguing that security agencies should take advantage of any information that could aid efforts to rescue the victims and identify those responsible for the crime. 

According to Ibe, if Igboho possesses credible information about the individuals behind the kidnapping, he should disclose it to investigators. He said security agencies should summon the activist to provide the names of those he claims are sponsoring or supporting the abductors. 

“Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the school children and teachers,” Ibe said, while urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ freedom. 

The call follows comments made by Igboho during a meeting with officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ibadan, where he alleged that some politicians were behind the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. He warned that he could publicly reveal their identities if the situation persists. 

The abduction occurred on May 15 when gunmen attacked schools in the Oriire area, kidnapping dozens of pupils and teachers. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, while one teacher was killed during the ordeal. Security agencies have since launched rescue operations and arrested several suspects linked to the incident. 

Ibe also questioned the Federal Government’s response to other recent school abductions, including a reported kidnapping of schoolchildren in Borno State, and called for a more comprehensive national strategy to tackle insecurity. 

As of the time of reporting, neither the DSS nor other security agencies had publicly responded to Ibe’s call. Likewise, Igboho had not indicated whether he would formally provide any information to investigators regarding his allegations. 

The latest development has added a new dimension to ongoing discussions surrounding the Oyo school abduction, as authorities continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and uncover those behind the attack.