Ondo Rallies Security Apparatus Following Abduction Of Nine Years Old Boy By Gunmen

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June 5, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has intensified security operations following an early Friday morning attack by gunmen of a community in Ode local government.

Report revealed that during the attack, a nine years old boy was abducted while his father managed to escape.

‎The state government expressed concern over the reported attack on Igbosi Community, Idogun in Ose Local Government Area and the abduction of a nine-year-old boy in the community.

The commissioner for information, Idowu Ajanaku, in a statement stated that “The government has called for calm while the security agencies are on top of the situation.

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‎”Immediately the government was informed of the development, a coordinated security response was activated.

“Personnel of the Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the military were mobilised and have since commenced intensive combing operations within the community, the surrounding forests, and other strategic locations within and beyond the area of the incident.

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‎”The Ondo State Government wishes to assure residents that the security situation is being closely monitored and professionally managed by relevant agencies.

“Preliminary security measures have already been strengthened in the affected axis, while intelligence gathering and search operations are ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

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‎”The government urges citizens, particularly residents of Ose Local Government Area and neighbouring communities, to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security personnel.

“Members of the public are also encouraged to provide useful information that may assist ongoing operations through established security channels.

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‎”The administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains unwavering in its commitment to the protection of lives and property across Ondo State.

“Government is confident that the ongoing joint security operation will yield positive results.

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‎”The Ondo State Government appreciates the swift response of all security agencies involved in the operation and calls on the good people of the state to say something when they see something.”

Tbe statement also urged the people to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, while continuing to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security throughout the state.

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Insecurity: Oyo Gov. Makinde Restricts Okada Operation

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Ayodele Oni

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June 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

As part of security measures to protect the State, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced a restriction on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders.

They are now to operate between 10:30 a m and 5:30 p.m. across the state as part of fresh security measures aimed at tackling rising insecurity.

The governor made the announcement during a statewide broadcast on Friday, June 5, amid growing concerns over the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.

Makinde said the decision formed part of broader efforts by his administration to strengthen security and support ongoing operations to secure the release of victims currently in captivity.

Addressing residents, the governor reassured families of the abducted victims that the state government remained committed to their safe return.

“We will not relent until our teachers and children are returned safely home. Every day they remain in captivity is a painful day for their families, their communities, and all of us in Oyo State,” he said.

“I want to assure our people that efforts are ongoing around the clock to ensure the safe return of the victims. Their rescue remains the top priority of this administration. They have not been forgotten, and they have not been abandoned.”

Makinde noted that details of ongoing rescue efforts could not be fully disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the operations, but insisted that security agencies were actively working to secure the victims’ freedom.

“We may not be able to disclose every step being taken because of the sensitive nature of the operations involved.

“However, I ask our people not to mistake our silence for inaction. A great deal of work is being done behind the scenes, and we remain fully engaged with all relevant security agencies,” he added.

Announcing the new restriction, the governor said commercial motorcycle operators would no longer be allowed to operate during the specified hours throughout the state.

“With the signing of this Executive Order, we are also introducing additional measures to enhance security across our state.

“Consequently, the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, will now be restricted between the hours of 10:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m throughout Oyo State.”

He further urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that maintaining security requires collective effort.

“We can create laws, but their success ultimately depends on the cooperation of our people. This is another opportunity to remind us all that security is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something, and the authorities will do something.”

The development comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers.

The situation worsened days later when one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the abductors.

Public concern intensified after a video surfaced online showing Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, who is among those being held captive. In the video, she appealed for urgent intervention, revealing that the kidnappers had threatened to kill another victim if their demands were not met.

The abductions have triggered widespread outrage across the state, leading to protests by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other concerned groups demanding immediate action from authorities.

ADC Demands Probe Of Tsoho, Fed High Court Chief Judge, Justice Lifu

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 5, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has initiated legal proceedings against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Honourable Justice John Tsoho and the Honourable Justice Peter Lifu, among others, over alleged gross abuse of judicial powers and bias.

In the motion on notice filed by its National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Division, the ADC is seeking an order of the Court compelling the National Judicial Council, NJC, to investigate allegations of bias, judicial abuse, and corruption against the Chief Judge and Justice Lifu, in relation to their handling of a pending case involving the internal affairs and leadership crises bedeviling the Party.

The Source recalls that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court had, on Friday, May 29,2026, reassigned the case filed by the aggrieved former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu Bala-Gombe, challenging the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee, NEC, of the party from Justice Emeka Nwite to Justice Peter Lifu.

The reassignment came against the backdrop of Bala-Gombe’s request for the case to be transferred from Justice Nwite to another Judge.

Justice Nwite had, on May 8, 2026, adjourned proceedings indefinitely following an oral application filed by Bala-Gombe to the effect that he had petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court seeking the transfer of the ADC leadership tussle case to another Judge.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Lukas Musa Haruna, SAN, had informed the court that although the matter was scheduled to be heard after the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court separately dismissed the interlocutory appeals filed by Mark, he, however, noted that a letter had been written to the Chief Judge on the need to transfer the matter to another Judge.

“He urged the court to halt proceedings pending the response of the Chief Judge to the plaintiff’s demand.

But despite strident opposition from the Mark-led faction, Justice Nwite adjourned proceedings sine die, with the Chief Judge subsequently reassigning the case to Justice Lifu.

However, in a motion on notice marked FCT/ABJ/CS/1165/2026, in which the NJC, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court ,and Justice Lifu are listed as respondents filed on Thursday June 4, 2026, Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of the Mark-led ADC, accused the the Chief Judge, Justice Tsoho of improperly reassigning the case from Nwite to Lifu.

The plaintiff contended that the reassignment is in violation of the Supreme Court order of April 30, 2026, which directed parties to return to Justice Nwite for the continuation of proceedings.

The plaintiff is also concerned that the reassignment was carried out even when Justice Nwite adjourned proceedings pending the resolution of issues surrounding the letter addressed to the Chief Judge by Bala-Gombe.

Ukandu further accused Justice Lifu of bias and judicial abuse following his decision to continue to entertain the case despite protestations and objections sorrounding the reassignment processes.

The plaintiff is of the view that justice will not be adequately served and protected in the present circumstances as going by the groundswell of public allegations leveled against the presiding judicial officers.

Ukandu is, therefore, praying for an order of the Court declaring it duty-bound for the NJC to carry out an unfettered investigation into the series of allegations and public complaints against the affected judicial officers and to impose appropriate sanctions where necessary.

The plaintiff accordingly is seeking an order of the court compelling Justice Lifu to recuse himself from the case in the overall interest of justice.

Reno Omokri Faults Buratai’s Position On War Against Terrorism

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Ayodele Oni

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June 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, has listed major breakthroughs recorded by the military in the fight against terrorism.

Omokri, listed when he faulted comments by Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, on the inability of security agencies to locate terrorists, bandits and other non-state actors operating in Nigeria, maintained that it is not an easy task to locate high profile Terrorists.

Buratai had criticised the military and other security agencies during an interview on TVC on Tuesday.

“I don’t believe security agencies can’t locate the bandits if they can locate ordinary citizens and social media influencers,” Buratai stated.

In a statement, Omokri said Buratai failed to consider the complexity of tracking and neutralising terrorist networks.

According to him, even countries with advanced surveillance capabilities have struggled for years to locate high-profile terrorists.

Omokri cited the case of Osama bin Laden, who remained at large for years despite extensive efforts by the United States and its allies.

He said Bin Laden was declared America’s most wanted man after the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

Omokri noted that Bin Laden continued to evade capture even after orchestrating the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

He said the Al-Qaeda leader was eventually located and killed in May 2011, almost 13 years after he was first declared a wanted terrorist.

“It took almost thirteen years to get Osama Bin Laden despite the satellites, global spy network, and other technological and human resources available to the United States.

“So, General Buratai may want to understand that it is not as easy as he makes it appear to Nigerians.”

Omokri was of the view that Buratai’s comments also failed to acknowledge recent successes recorded by Nigerian security agencies against terrorists and bandits.

He cited the killing, arrest or prosecution of several notorious bandit leaders across the country.

The former presidential aide also referenced the arrest of Sule Yellow, a suspected bandit known for his activities on TikTok.

“The notorious TikTok bandit, Sule Yellow, was arrested only three months ago by troops of the Nigerian Army, who acted on intelligence provided by our intelligence services.

“He was captured and arrested, mind you, not killed, so he can sing like a canary and expose his fellow marauders,” he said.

Omokri further pointed to the conviction of four suspects linked to the June 2022 attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

“Additionally, only today, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, four out of the six Owo Church attackers, after they were located, arrested, prosecuted, have been sentenced to death,” he said.

He added that another suspect linked to the attack was recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Omokri said public remarks by former senior government officials should be made with due regard to their impact on public confidence.

He urged Buratai to consider the achievements of security agencies before making sweeping assessments of their performance.

“So, rather than making statements that risk eroding Nigerian citizens’ confidence in their government and its security architecture, perhaps General Buratai, as a former Nigerian Ambassador, whose words should build faith in Nigeria, may want to take an informed position and weigh his public utterances in light of the privileged position he once held,” he concluded.

“President Tinubu Is My Beloved In-Law” – Pastor Adeboye

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Ayodele Oni

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June 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has acknowledged President Bola Tinubu as “my beloved in-law.”

The revered Cleric made this acknowledging while delivering a sermon to his congregation.

During the sermon, Pastor Adeboye criticised a recent speech delivered by President Tinubu.

In the speech, President Tinubu had said the security situation in the country was now okay; that it had improved so much that nobody needs to express any fears.

But dissecting that portion of the speech, Adeboye said that whoever wrote it did not, and does not have the President’s interest at heart; that whoever was responsible for writing it may not have the President’s best interests at heart.

Adeboye: “The person who wrote President Tinubu’s speech does not like him. There are several people around my beloved in-law (Tinubu) interest at heart, and is one of those who are not telling him the truth.”

It is not clear yet how come President Tinubu is Pastor Adeboye’s in-law, but the President’s wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is one of RCCG’s ordained Pastors.

“Don’t Pile Your Responsibilities On 84 Year-Old Man” – Peter Obi Defends Pastor Adeboye …Ezekwesili Too

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Ayodele Oni

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June 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Two prominent Nigerians have come in defence of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye over his recent comments on the security situation in Nigeria.

Pastor Adeboye had recently faced renewed public attention after commenting on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

In his remarks during one of his sermons, he urged Service Chiefs to either intensify efforts against banditry or step aside, a statement that drew significant debate online, especially because he did not directly call on the Federal Government to take action

Reacting to some of the comments, Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi advised Nigerian youths to stop attacking Pastor Adeboye over perceived silence of revered religious leaders on the worsening state of the nation.

In a statement posted on X, Obi warned young Nigerians against falling prey to ethnic and religious manipulations orchestrated by politicians and their agents.

Obi’s position follows growing criticism of the cleric by some Nigerians who accuse him of failing to speak out against the current administration of President Bola Tinubu as vocally as he did during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The critics attribute the perceived silence to ethnic and religious affiliations with the Tinubu family.

“In the period following the presidential election and leading up to the governorship election, we witnessed a troubling shift in public discourse.

“Conversations that should have focused on competence, governance, development, and the future of our nation were gradually diverted towards tribal sentiments, ethnic divisions, and unnecessary suspicion among citizens.

“Many sincere and well-meaning Nigerians participated in these conversations without realising that they were being drawn into narratives carefully designed by others,” Obi wrote.

He noted that history has shown that when politicians struggle to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, they often exploit the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity to divide the people.

“Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways.

“Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognising the broader agenda behind such campaigns,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor described Pastor Adeboye as one of Nigeria’s foremost fathers of faith, who for decades has preached peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity.

“At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them.

“The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation.

“It is their duty to lead the conversations, champion the reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires,” he added.

Obi cautioned Nigerians against being used as instruments by those who secretly promote division while publicly preaching unity.

“Their target is not the individual being attacked; instead, it is the person who is attacking. Their real objective is to weaken the bonds that hold us together as one people and one nation.”

He concluded with a direct appeal to the youth, saying, “I therefore urge all young Nigerians: do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred.

“Do not allow anyone to weaponize your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders.

Also in a post on X, a former Minister of education, Obey Ezekwesili, maintained that Adeboye “isn’t Our Problem, He Chose Silence When Attacked Because He’s Wise.”

Ezekwesili suggested that the cleric’s decision not to respond aggressively to certain provocations reflects spiritual maturity rather than indifference.

She implied that his restraint should be understood as a product of wisdom and discipline.

Reacting to the controversy, Ezekwesili argued that the pastor’s approach should not be misinterpreted.

According to her, the complexity of the country’s security challenges is such that it often defies straightforward human solutions, making measured responses more appropriate.

She also described Adeboye as a figure she respects and has learned from, particularly in the area of maintaining composure and exercising what she described as dignified restraint in sensitive matters.

Presidency, NASS Meet On State Police

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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June 5, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila has disclosed that the federal government is in the final stage of working out the modalities for the establishment of state police.

According to him, the government is trying to ensure that all legal frame works are followed before the bill for its establishment is sent to the National Assembly for Constitutional amendment.

The president’s chief of Staff made the remark on Thursday while speaking to journalists after a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the nation’s capital with NASS Principal Officers, including the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as well as the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu.

Gbajabiamila stressed that President Tinubu is determined that state police are established, saying the issue is very important to the administration, noting however that the matter cannot be rushed because there’s “a lot involved in terms of the constitution and legalities.

He explained that the government is moving fact on the issue. “Hopefully the amendment will come shortly and then the details of the amendment will come after that,” he said.

“Right now what we’re looking at is the constitutional amendment itself, and then the enabling law will follow thereafter.

“So that’s what we’ve been deliberating on in the last couple of hours. And hopefully we know that there’s a national consensus on the establishment of state police.”

Presidency Confirms Arrest Of Ifechukwu Dennis, Suspect Behind Al Generated Voice Of Tinubu

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Ayodele Oni

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June 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has confirmed the arrest of Ifechukwu Dennis, the man identified as the originator of an AI-generated voice note that was widely circulated online as a leaked recording of President Bola Tinubu.

Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the arrest on Thursday in a post on his official X account, said the suspect is already with the police.

“The IGP crack team has arrested Ifechukwu Dennis who originated the fake voice that he passed on to his gullible targets as President Tinubu’s voice,” he said.

The arrest closes a week-long controversy that began on May 27, 2026, when a video of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, went viral.

In the clip, an AI-generated voice resembling Tinubu’s was heard making inflammatory statements — including that insecurity in the South-East was deliberate, that he had pressured Peter Obi to step down ahead of the 2023 election, and that he was indifferent to Nigerians’ suffering.

Investigations by multiple news organisations, however, established that VDM had not posted the doctored audio.

An unidentified individual had extracted footage from VDM’s original Instagram video and superimposed the AI-generated voice notes before recirculating the manipulated version online.

Despite this, the Presidency had initially called for VDM’s prosecution.

Onanuga had described the incident as “a clear case of egregious abuse of the social media platform,” drawing criticism after fact-checkers confirmed VDM’s original video contained none of the fabricated audio.

Further details on the circumstances of Dennis’s arrest and the charges he may face were not immediately available at the time of filing this report.

Father Escapes As Gunmen Abduct His 9-Year Old Son In Ondo State

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Ayodele Oni

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June 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack on residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun Ido-Ani, in Ose Local Government Area of the State.

According to a Police report, the incident was reported in the early hours of Friday, 5th June 2026, at about 2:30 a.m. by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun.

According to their reports, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on the same day, a group of armed men invaded the community, firing gunshots sporadically and causing panic among residents.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence of Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac.

In a desperate attempt to save his life, he escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the armed men.

Mr. Joel Owalekan also reported that the same group of assailants unlawfully damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry.

He similarly escaped the attack by fleeing to safety, thereby avoiding possible harm.

Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer and his men, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilized to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators.

Investigations has commenced while relevant exhibits have been recovered and documented to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed all tactical teams, intelligence units and other relevant security assets to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim unhurt and the arrest of the perpetrators.

The Command is also working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice.

The Command assures residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the abducted child.

Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing investigations.

Anyone with credible and actionable information relating to the abducted child or the suspects is encouraged to report promptly to the nearest police station or other security agency.

War Against Terrorism Should Not Be Selective – Atiku… Urges DSS To Invite Igboho For Questioning

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Ayodele Oni

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June 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Mr Paul Ibe, has accused the Federal Government of being selective in the fight against terrorism.

Ibe also called on the Department of State Services, (DSS), and other security agencies to invite Yoruba nation campaigner, Sunday Igboho, in the ongoing war against banditry, especially in the South West.

The media aide advised that Igboho should disclose the identities of politicians he alleged are sponsoring kidnappers responsible for the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.

Ibe made the call in a post on X, arguing that security agencies should take advantage of any credible information capable of aiding efforts to rescue the victims and dismantle criminal networks behind the attacks.

Igboho had during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, claimed he knew the politicians allegedly backing kidnappers operating in parts of the South-West.

The remarks were made against the backdrop of concerns over the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Reacting to Igboho’s claims, Ibe said security agencies should immediately engage him if he indeed possesses information that could assist ongoing investigations.

“Since Sunday Ighoho 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 knew to invite him to release those names to them.

“Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the school children and teachers.”

Ibe also broadened the conversation to the wider insecurity challenges confronting the country, questioning what he described as the Federal Government’s muted response to the reported abduction of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15.

Drawing a comparison between the official response to the incidents in Oyo and Borno states, he asked, “By the way, who knows those behind the abduction of over 50 school children in Mussa, Borno State on May 15, 2026?

“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?

“When will Borno and other vulnerable states get their own forest guards? Why wait for a tragedy to occur before the Tinubu government takes action to stem insecurity in our country?”

Igboho had told his visitors that the kidnappers were not invincible and could be dislodged if decisive action was taken against them.

“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. I know them. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said.