June 21 (THEWILL) — The Oyo State Police Command and the Oorelope Local Government, have dismissed reports that victims abducted by gunmen in Igbope community have been released, insisting that the hostages remain in captivity despite widespread claims that they regained their freedom following an ultimatum issued by Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The clarification comes amid growing confusion triggered by videos circulating on social media showing jubilant residents celebrating alongside Igboho after he confronted community leaders and suspected Fulani representatives over persistent cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the area.
The celebrations were widely interpreted as confirmation that the abducted victims (a woman, her children and a sibling), had been freed after Igboho reportedly issued a two-hour deadline demanding their release.
However, authorities say no such release has occurred.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Chairman of Oorelope Local Government Area, Jacob Ogundiran, described reports of the victims’ release as false and misleading.
“The attention of the Oorelope Local Government Area leadership has been drawn to circulating rumours and unverified reports claiming the release of the kidnapping victims.
“We state authoritatively that these reports are false and misleading. The victims are still in captivity, and we urge the public to discountenance any information to the contrary unless it comes from credible sources,” the statement said.
Ogundiran assured residents that security agencies are actively working to secure the victims’ safe return and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.
He also commended traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents for their cooperation and support in ongoing security efforts, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority of the local administration.
The Oyo State Police Command also distanced itself from reports linking the alleged release of the victims to Igboho’s intervention.
Speaking with journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had no information suggesting that the abducted family members had regained their freedom.
“Whatever the activist is doing, if the said victims are still in captivity, I don’t know. Efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” Ayanlade said.
The police spokesman further corrected widespread reports that the victims were kidnapped in Igboho town, noting that the abduction actually occurred in Igbope community within Oorelope Local Government Area.
“Meanwhile, the victims were not even kidnapped in Igboho. They were kidnapped at Igbope,” he added.
The victims were reportedly abducted during a midnight attack when armed men invaded their residence and whisked away members of the family.
Sources familiar with the incident said the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N300 million before later reducing the amount to N150 million during negotiations.
The abduction sparked outrage across the Oke-Ogun axis and renewed concerns over rising incidents of kidnapping and violent crime in parts of Oyo State.
Amid growing tension, Igboho visited the community and held a meeting with traditional rulers, local leaders and Fulani representatives, where he expressed anger over recurring incidents of kidnapping and killings allegedly linked to criminal elements operating in the area.
In a video that later went viral, Igboho accused some members of the Fulani community of harbouring kidnappers and recounted incidents in which victims and their relatives were allegedly killed despite ransom payments.
“The person who brought the ransom, you still killed him and spared only one person,” he said during the gathering.
Igboho subsequently issued a two-hour ultimatum for the release of those still being held captive, warning that he would take further action if the victims were not freed.
“I am Sunday Igboho. I am calm because my fathers asked me to be calm with you. Let this be the last time such a thing will happen,” he declared, warning that failure to comply with the ultimatum could lead to direct action against locations suspected to be linked to kidnapping activities.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies said efforts were continuing to rescue the victims and apprehend those behind the abduction, while authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
