Fayose Links Wike to Oyo School Kidnapping Crisis, Faces Rebuttal from Aide

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike

Fayose Links Wike to Oyo School Kidnapping Crisis, Faces Rebuttal from Aide

Isaac Fayose, a prominent businessman and political commentator, has ignited a fresh firestorm by calling for an immediate investigation into comments allegedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Fayose accused Wike of making a disturbing threat against Oyo State months before the abduction. He urged Nigeria’s security agencies – including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) – to question the former Rivers State governor and clear public doubts.

Fayose recalled a previous political disagreement between Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, during which the FCT minister allegedly declared: “I will put fire in Gov Seyi Makinde’s Oyo State.” According to Fayose, the timing of the kidnapping – which occurred the same week Makinde was reportedly set to announce his presidential ambitions – is deeply suspicious.

“The incident happened around a period of heightened political activity, including discussions about Governor Makinde’s succession plans. Wike’s remarks and the timing of this abduction should not be ignored,” Fayose said in the video. He further claimed that after the kidnapping, Wike allegedly made additional comments mocking Governor Makinde, a development Fayose described as “disturbing.”

While stopping short of presenting any direct evidence linking Wike to the crime, Fayose insisted that the circumstantial case is strong enough for security intervention. “If our institutions are functioning effectively, the police and DSS would have invited Wike for questioning. The public deserves reassurance,” he argued.

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Fayose also dismissed counter-allegations from some political quarters suggesting that Governor Makinde could have orchestrated the kidnapping. He called such claims “unreasonable and insensitive,” given the gravity of the incident – which involved dozens of young pupils and teachers. He additionally referenced security challenges that plagued Rivers State during Wike’s tenure as governor, urging Nigerians to pay closer attention to statements made by influential public office holders.

The allegations have drawn a fierce response from Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to Wike on Public Communication and New Media. Olayinka dismissed Isaac Fayose’s claims with a personal attack, describing Fayose as a “weed smoker” and “drug abuser.” He advised the commentator to focus on his health and warned him to be mindful of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In a separate statement addressing the broader Oyo security crisis, Olayinka charged Southwest governors – not Wike – with responsibility for regional insecurity. He cited former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose (Isaac’s brother) as having taken proactive security measures, contrasting this with current leaders whom he accused of “playing politics of emotion and sentiments.” Notably, neither Wike nor his official spokespersons have directly addressed the specific allegation that he threatened to “put fire” in Oyo State.

The Oyo school kidnapping occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men raided Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School – all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Scores of pupils and teachers were abducted in the coordinated attack.

In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State, ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team, and sent a high-powered delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to the affected communities on May 30, 2026. Gbajabiamila assured residents that the President is “deeply troubled” and committed to securing the safe return of all victims. The delegation also promised to forward a request for a military base in the area to the President for consideration. The rescue operation, according to Gbajabiamila, will be “intelligence-led” and deploy “both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.”

The clash between Isaac Fayose and Wike’s camp has generated heated online debates, with supporters and critics of both politicians flooding social media platforms. Some users have called for a transparent investigation into the alleged threat, while others have dismissed Fayose’s claims as politically motivated.