Sowore Alleges Oyo Abductees Relocated to Kaduna, Blames DSS for Neglecting Rescue

Prominent human rights advocate and former presidential flagbearer for the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, revealed a disturbing development concerning the abducted schoolchildren from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State. He stated that the children have reportedly been transported out of Oyo and are now being held in Gwari, Kaduna State. Sowore expressed grave concern, noting the uncertainty surrounding the victims' current condition, as their survival remains unconfirmed.

This disclosure came from Sowore on Monday, immediately following the Federal High Court in Abuja's decision, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, to remand him at Kuje Prison.

Speaking to his supporters and members of the press subsequent to the court proceedings, Sowore voiced his dismay. He criticised the authorities for allegedly prioritising his prosecution over remarks he made concerning President Bola Tinubu's character, instead of dedicating efforts to the rescue of the kidnapped minors and ensuring accountability for their abductors.

He reiterated his assertion that the schoolchildren taken from Oyo had been moved a considerable distance from their original abduction site.

Sowore emphatically stated, “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 further lamented, “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.”

Sowore directed accusations at President Tinubu's administration, asserting that he had foretold years prior that a Tinubu presidency would ignite a revolutionary consciousness across Nigeria.

“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 declared.

The activist elaborated that societal and political upheavals do not manifest in a predictable fashion. Instead, they arise when the governing elite commits significant errors, ultimately pushing the populace to its breaking point.

“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,” Sowore explained.

He additionally asserted that Nigerian citizens were progressively becoming more aware of the incumbent government's shortcomings, and that a spirit of resistance was steadily gathering momentum both within the nation and internationally.

“Even as we speak now, nobody can tell you Tinubu’s location. He is 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 observed.

“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,” he concluded on that point.

Furthermore, Sowore conveyed his satisfaction regarding the ongoing protests in Ibadan, which address the predicament of the kidnapped schoolchildren. He viewed these demonstrations as evidence that Nigerians are starting to actively oppose injustice and press for governmental accountability.

“And 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 remarked.

He reiterated his assertion that the abducted children had been relocated from Oyo State to Kaduna, issuing a warning that their ultimate fate remained uncertain while the government allegedly focused its efforts on stifling critical voices.

Nevertheless, Sowore encouraged his supporters not to lose heart over the court's decision to remand him. He assured them that he had foreseen such a development and was mentally prepared for incarceration.

“Anyway, 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 revealed.

“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,” he added confidently.

He subsequently implored his supporters and all Nigerians to maintain their resolve and persist in their mobilisation efforts, emphasising that the broader struggle transcended his personal detention.

“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. And those of you who want to follow us to Kuje, let’s go on a ride,” he encouraged.

“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,” he concluded.