Oyo Authorities Deny Release of Igboho Kidnap Victims Despite Viral Celebration Video

Oyo Authorities Deny Reports of Igboho Kidnap Victims’ Release

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the fate of a family abducted in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, as local authorities and the Oyo State Police Command have dismissed claims that the victims have regained their freedom.

The controversy followed the circulation of a viral video on social media showing large crowds celebrating alongside Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. The celebration was widely interpreted as confirmation that the abducted victims, a woman, her children, and a sibling, had been released.

The reported release was linked to a two-hour ultimatum earlier issued by Sunday Igboho to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders, demanding the immediate freedom of the captives.

However, authorities have described the claims as inaccurate.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Chairman of Oorelope Local Government Area, Jacob Ogundiran, categorically denied reports that the victims had been rescued.

According to him, information suggesting that the hostages had been released is false and should be disregarded by members of the public.

“The victims remain in captivity, and we urge residents to rely only on verified information from credible sources,” the statement said.

Ogundiran assured residents that security agencies are actively working to secure the safe rescue of the victims. He also commended community leaders, residents, and stakeholders for their cooperation and intelligence-sharing efforts aimed at tackling insecurity in the area.

Similarly, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, refuted reports linking the release of the victims to Sunday Igboho’s intervention.

He stated that security agencies are still working to rescue the abducted family and clarified that the kidnapping occurred in Igbope, not Igboho as widely reported.

The victims were reportedly abducted during a midnight attack on their residence by armed kidnappers. Sources indicated that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of N300 million before reducing it to N150 million during negotiations.

The incident prompted Sunday Igboho to issue a strong warning to suspected Fulani leaders in the area over recurring cases of kidnapping and insecurity.

In a widely circulated video, the activist expressed concern over the growing security challenges in the region, alleging that some criminal elements were responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks on residents.

He warned that such incidents must not continue and gave a two-hour deadline for the release of the victims, stressing that he had exercised restraint following appeals from traditional rulers and community leaders.

Following the ultimatum, celebrations broke out in parts of the community after rumours spread that the abducted family had been freed. However, both local government officials and the police have now clarified that the victims remain in captivity, while rescue efforts continue.