Sowore Claims Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren Have Been Moved To Kaduna, Says Government Chasing Critics Instead Of Rescuing Victims

Abuja, Nigeria — Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that schoolchildren abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been moved to Kwari in Kaduna State, raising fresh concerns about their safety and whereabouts.

Sowore made the revelation on Monday shortly after he was remanded to Kuje Correctional Centre by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Addressing supporters and journalists outside the courtroom, Sowore accused the Nigerian government of focusing on critics rather than rescuing kidnapped victims, insisting that the authorities should prioritize efforts to locate and save the abducted children.

“To shock you, those kids have been moved from Oyo State to Kaduna, Kwari. I’m revealing to you today,” Sowore said.

“Nobody knows whether they are alive or dead. And the people we should be tracking and giving them the least of what they need, they are here wasting your time over what Sowore said about Bola Tinubu.”

The activist lamented that the government’s misplaced priorities, arguing that security agencies should be concentrating on the rescue of abducted children instead of prosecuting dissenting voices.

Sowore also reiterated his long-held criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that developments in the country were pushing Nigerians toward a mass political awakening.

“I predicted two years ago that Tinubu is going to bring about the revolution in Nigeria, and we are on track. We are very much on track,” he said.

“Anytime a revolution is about to happen, it’s not like cooking a pot of soup where you know when to put Maggi or salt. They come at an unexpected time, and they come because certain mistakes have to be made by the ruling class so that they will trip and fall.”

Continuing, Sowore questioned the visibility of the President and argued that growing public frustration could eventually trigger widespread resistance.

“Even as we speak now, nobody can tell you Tinubu’s location. It’s nowhere to be found. And it’s a matter of time before the Nigerian people wake up. We are waking them up and the awakening is here,” he said.

“And we have no doubt that people who are not here are hearing us from all over the country. They are hearing us from all over the world. The time has come for Nigeria to embrace the revolution.”

The activist further expressed satisfaction that protests were reportedly taking place in Ibadan over the plight of the abducted schoolchildren and the need for urgent action to secure their freedom.

“I am very happy that even as we are here, protests are going on in Ibadan over the help that those kids who have been kidnapped from Ibadan need,” he said.

Reiterating his claim about the movement of the children, Sowore added: “Those kids have been moved from Oyo State to Kaduna, Kwari. Nobody knows whether they are alive or dead. And the people we should be tracking and giving them the least of what they need, they are here wasting your time over what Sowore said about Bola Tinubu, which is very true.”

Speaking on the court’s decision to remand him, Sowore told his supporters not to be discouraged, saying he had anticipated the development and was prepared for imprisonment.

“So, the decision that was taken by the judge that I should be sent to prison on Wednesday, please don’t be disappointed. I am going to go there because I already packed my bag,” he said.

“I knew this show was taking a long time to go. I’m aware of all their small, small plans. But we will go out and come back more triumphant.”

Sowore urged supporters across the country to remain mobilised and continue their activism despite his incarceration.

“So, when I go to prison today, I will come back on Wednesday, and I urge you guys to come out in large numbers across the country,” he said.

“And those of you who want to follow us to Kuje, let’s go on a ride. And those who cannot come, also be ready, because the work is not about going to prison. The work is how to break out of prison.”