KEY POINTS
• Omoyele Sowore claimed that schoolchildren abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, have been moved to Gwari in Kaduna State by their captors.
• He criticised the government for allegedly focusing on prosecuting critics rather than prioritising the rescue of the abducted victims.
• Sowore welcomed ongoing protests in Ibadan and urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the schoolchildren and their teachers.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that schoolchildren abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been relocated to Gwari in Kaduna State by their captors.
Sowore made the claim on Monday shortly after he was remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The activist expressed concern over the fate of the abducted children, stating that their whereabouts and condition remain uncertain while authorities focus on prosecuting government critics.
Addressing journalists and supporters after the court proceedings, Sowore claimed that the kidnapped pupils had been moved out of Oyo State to a location in Kaduna State.
According to him, there is no clear information on whether the victims are still alive or dead.
“To shock you, those kids have been moved from Oyo State to Kaduna, Gwari. I’m revealing to you today. Nobody knows whether they are alive or dead,” he said.
Sowore argued that security agencies should concentrate their efforts on locating and rescuing the children rather than pursuing individuals critical of the government.
Criticism of Government Priorities
The activist accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of focusing more on dissenting voices than on addressing pressing security challenges facing the country.
He questioned why resources were being directed toward his prosecution while many Nigerians remained victims of kidnapping, terrorism, and violent crimes.
According to Sowore, the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren should be treated as an urgent national priority.
Beyond the issue of the abducted children, Sowore used the opportunity to criticise the current administration, insisting that the country was witnessing increasing public dissatisfaction with government policies and leadership.
He maintained that political and social change often emerges when citizens become frustrated with the actions and decisions of those in power.
Sowore argued that Nigerians were gradually becoming more aware of governance challenges and that public demand for accountability was growing across the country.
He further claimed that many citizens were beginning to question the government’s handling of security, economic, and social issues.
Sowore also expressed support for recent protests in Ibadan demanding the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren.
According to him, the demonstrations reflected growing public concern over insecurity and showed that citizens were becoming more willing to demand action from authorities.
He praised those participating in the protests, saying their actions highlighted the urgent need to secure the release of the victims and improve security across affected communities.
Speaking on his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Sowore said he was not surprised by the court’s decision and had mentally prepared himself for the possibility.
He encouraged his supporters to remain committed to their advocacy efforts and not be discouraged by his temporary detention.
The activist said the struggle for accountability and justice extended beyond any individual and urged Nigerians to continue engaging in lawful civic activities aimed at promoting good governance and national development.
