Jun 2, 2026

Wike’s Alleged ‘Fire’ Threat Draws Scrutiny Amid Oyo School Abductions

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Gov. Ayodele Fayose, has urged Nigeria’s Department of State Services to question Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike over past remarks in which Wike allegedly threatened to “put fire” in Oyo State, linking the timing to the recent mass abduction of schoolchildren and teachers.

Fayose made the call in a statement that quickly spread on social media, quoting Wike as saying he would ignite political turmoil in Oyo under Gov. Seyi Makinde.

He highlighted the coincidence: the kidnapping occurred in the same week Makinde was reportedly preparing to announce a presidential candidacy.

“When will the DSS invite Wike?” Fayose asked, according to the statement.

The provided release accurately captures Fayose’s quoted remarks and his call for investigation but overstates the centrality of this narrative.

Current reporting shows Isaac Fayose has been more prominently criticizing his own brother, Ayo Fayose, for alleging that Makinde’s government may have orchestrated the abductions to blackmail President Bola Tinubu.

Isaac described his brother’s comments as senseless and inconsistent, questioning why similar logic wasn’t applied to kidnappings in APC-controlled states.

The release also implies a stronger direct link than Fayose stated — he raised questions about timing and rhetoric without presenting evidence or explicitly accusing Wike of masterminding the crime.

Suggested correction: Clearly attribute the “fire” comment as alleged and emphasize the absence of corroborating evidence to maintain journalistic balance.

The abduction, which occurred May 15 in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso, has gripped the nation with horror.

Gunmen on motorcycles simultaneously attacked three schools — including Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School and Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele — seizing about 39 pupils (some as young as 2) and seven teachers. One mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity.

Families remain in anguish more than two weeks later.

A grandmother whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren are among the hostages made an emotional plea, describing dehumanizing conditions shown in videos released by the captors.

Oyo public school teachers have launched an indefinite strike, while protests have spread across the Southwest, with demonstrators demanding urgent action.

President Tinubu has directed enhanced security measures, including the approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State.

Security agencies have arrested several suspects, but the hostages’ safe return remains the priority.

Gov. Makinde has appealed for calm, warning that premature comments could endanger rescue operations.

Wike has a documented history of fiery political rhetoric, including warnings about creating unrest in PDP states where he lacks influence.

However, neither Wike nor the DSS had responded publicly to Isaac Fayose’s specific call as of Tuesday evening.

This episode underscores Nigeria’s intersecting crises: rampant insecurity that has turned schools into targets and a deeply polarized political culture where tragedies quickly become fodder for rivalry.

Supporters view Fayose’s intervention as demanding accountability; detractors call it opportunistic speculation that distracts from rescuing innocent victims.

As efforts continue to free the remaining hostages, the nation watches anxiously.

Parents nationwide fear for their children’s safety, while civil society groups press for better intelligence, fortified school security, and an end to the politicization of pain.

In a country weary of endless cycles of abduction and blame, transparent, evidence-driven investigations — not mere accusations — offer the only path toward justice and prevention.