Insecurity: Oyo Abduction: ‘DSS can track you; so how come nobody is ever caught?’, Pastor Ibiyeomie

Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries has voiced strong suspicions that powerful individuals and politicians are behind the recent spate of kidnappings in Nigeria, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. Speaking during a church service, the cleric questioned the effectiveness of security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), in apprehending culprits despite their alleged technological capabilities.

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They are not just picking those children without sponsors; all the politicians behind it. They can’t pick children and show their faces without sponsors.

"Do you know that even DSS kind of work, they would know where the people are. There must be an invisible hand behind it, because DSS can track you; if you are calling from anywhere, they would know where you are. So how come in Nigeria nobody is ever caught?" Ibiyeomie asked, suggesting that kidnappers operate with sponsors and protection.

The Oyo State incident, which occurred on May 15, saw armed individuals abduct dozens of students and teachers from schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities. Reports indicate approximately 46 people, including 39 students and seven teachers, were taken. This event has reignited nationwide concerns about school safety and the pervasive insecurity in the country.

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Do you know that even DSS kind of work, they would know where the people are. There must be an invisible hand behind it, because DSS can track you; if you are calling from anywhere, they would know where you are. So how come in Nigeria nobody is ever caught?

Beyond the security crisis, Ibiyeomie used his sermon to address public trust in democratic institutions. He appealed to the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to disappoint Nigerians, particularly ahead of future elections. The pastor lamented what he described as inconsistent judicial decisions, which he believes have eroded public confidence in the courts, making the legal system appear like "child's play."

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I want to appeal to two sets of people not to disappoint us, the judiciary and INEC.

He urged public officials and institutions to prioritize their legacies and resist compromise, emphasizing that institutions should endure beyond the tenure of politicians. "Bad politicians mess up institutions, but institutions should stand for generations after generations. The judiciary should stand and say, ‘we have been existing before now, and we would still exist,’" he stated.

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Before, the commoner hoped to go to the judiciary. Now you will see law interpreted like one law in one state is different from the law in another state, making the judiciary look like child’s play.