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By Oscar Okhifo
Controversial Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has broken his public silence since the 2023 general elections, alleging that the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is part of a political conspiracy aimed at turning Nigerians against President Bola Tinubu and weakening his administration.
Mbaka, whose outspoken interventions on national affairs date back to the administration of former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, made the allegation in a sermon that has since gone viral.
The cleric, who had largely stayed away from political commentary after the 2023 general elections, claimed the latest abduction was being politically exploited.
Addressing worshippers, Mbaka cautioned Nigerians against drawing hasty conclusions over the Oyo abduction, declaring, “Let Nigerians not be deceived. That was what they did to Jonathan,” a reference to the insecurity that engulfed the country during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which he suggested was similarly exploited for political purposes.
Mbaka further declared, “If they want to overthrow Tinubu, it is not by kidnapping our children,” insisting that those behind the abduction were pursuing political objectives rather than ordinary criminal activity.
The cleric urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, while warning Nigerians against what he described as “a satanic political agenda” aimed at destabilising the country and discrediting the Tinubu administration.
Mbaka’s latest intervention marks his return to national political commentary after a relatively quiet period since the 2023 general elections.
His public pronouncements on national issues date back to the era of former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani and have repeatedly attracted both widespread public attention and caution from the Catholic Church.
Earlier, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe had separately alleged that some political actors may be behind the rising cases of kidnappings and banditry aimed at discrediting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
However, neither of them named those allegedly responsible or presented evidence to substantiate the claims.
The lack of specific details has sparked fresh public debate over whether such allegations are backed by intelligence shared with security agencies or the Presidency.
It has also raised broader questions about accountability, including why individuals or groups said to be involved in destabilising activities have not been identified or prosecuted if credible evidence exists against them.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government nor security agencies had publicly responded to Mbaka’s allegations, while efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers continued.