Uncertainty continues to surround the whereabouts of individuals abducted in Igboho, located in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, after both the local government administration and the Oyo State Police Command dismissed reports suggesting that the victims had been released.
The controversy emerged after widespread claims linked the supposed release of the captives to the intervention of Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. The reports followed his public ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders in the area.
Several social media posts and media reports had alleged that the abducted victims, including a woman, her children and a sibling, regained their freedom shortly after Igboho warned those allegedly involved in the kidnapping to release them within two hours or face consequences.
The claims sparked celebrations across Igboho town, with videos circulating online showing residents rejoicing, singing and expressing relief over what many believed was the successful rescue of the victims.
However, the Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Jacob Ogundiran, has rejected those reports, maintaining that the abducted individuals have not yet been freed.
Speaking through a statement released on Sunday, Ogundiran described the reports as inaccurate and urged the public to ignore information that has not been verified by the appropriate authorities.
“The kidnapped victims are yet to regain their freedom. We urge members of the public to disregard any information suggesting otherwise unless it emanates from official and credible sources,“ he stated.
He explained that security operatives at both state and local levels remain actively engaged in efforts to rescue the victims and ensure their safe return.
According to him, authorities are continuing to deploy all necessary resources and strategies to secure the release of those still in captivity.
While acknowledging the concern and anxiety generated by the incident, the council chairman expressed confidence in the cooperation among security agencies, community stakeholders and individuals assisting ongoing rescue operations.
He also appreciated security personnel, traditional leaders, residents and other stakeholders who have contributed intelligence, support and prayers toward resolving the situation.
“The protection of lives and property remains a top priority of this administration, and no effort will be spared in ensuring the safe return of the victims,” he said.
Ogundiran further appealed to residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and avoid sharing unverified information while security efforts continue.
His position was echoed by the Oyo State Police Command, which had earlier dismissed claims that the alleged release of the victims was connected to Sunday Igboho’s intervention.
Responding to the viral reports and videos, the police maintained that there was no official confirmation that the victims had regained their freedom and stated that no evidence linked Igboho to any rescue operation.
“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the police said.
The command further noted that “the Oyo State Commissioner of Police has explicitly denied that Sunday Igboho was involved in recent rescue operations.”
Police authorities described the reports circulating online as unverified and advised the public to rely only on official channels for updates regarding the case.
Confirming the police position, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said: “Yes, but it was just a reaction.”
The dispute followed strong remarks by Sunday Igboho, who accused criminal elements of turning the community into a kidnapping hotspot and alleged that some members of the Fulani community were shielding those responsible.
In a viral video directed at Fulani leaders and traditional representatives, Igboho condemned the attacks and questioned why such incidents were occurring in his hometown.
“You can’t be kidnapping in my father’s land and expect me to keep quiet. I’m an original indigene of Igboho land,” he said.
“You kidnapped a pregnant woman, and the person who brought the ransom, you killed him and killed the pregnant woman, for what? In Igboho? You people are not even afraid of me in my father’s land?”
“This should be the last and it must end. My father has urged me to address you people patiently. What I’m fighting in other people’s land, you can’t come here and be doing it in my father’s land.”
Igboho further alleged that individuals responsible for the abduction were known within the Fulani community and accused community leaders of failing to address the situation.
“You people kidnapped a pregnant woman, killed the person that brought the ransom and left one person. You are not even afraid of God. It’s your boys that did the job,” he said.
Questioning the pattern of the attacks, he added: “Since you have been kidnapping here, have they ever abducted Fulani?”
“No, it’s the Yorubas they have been kidnapping and it should not be like that. This should be the last, and let us stay in harmony.”
As public tension increased, the activist issued a two-hour deadline demanding the release of the remaining captives.
“I give you people two hours to release the woman, her children and her sibling who were kidnapped in the middle of the night. If I don’t see them within the next two hours, we will face each other,” he warned.
Igboho also claimed that investigations conducted by his team led them to locations allegedly associated with prominent figures in the area.
“When we first tracked that number, it led us to Alhaji’s residence and they removed them from there in the middle of the night to Bani’s compound. They took them to Baale’s compound, where they currently are,” he alleged.
Rejecting the payment of ransom by victims’ relatives, he stated: “We don’t have any ransom to pay. You Fulanis should raise that ransom among yourselves and pay because we don’t have such money to pay. They started from N300 million and brought it down to N150 million.”
“Fulanis should contribute the ransom and get the woman, children and her sibling released. If they are killed, we will have a problem,“ Igboho said.
The kidnapping incident generated outrage after armed men reportedly invaded a residence at night and abducted members of a family, later demanding a substantial ransom.
Reports indicated that the kidnappers initially requested N300 million before later reducing the demand to N150 million during negotiations.
Public concern escalated following allegations that a pregnant woman and a ransom bearer were killed despite efforts aimed at securing the victims’ release.
Although celebrations erupted in parts of Igboho after reports emerged claiming the captives had been freed, both the local government and the police have maintained that there is no official confirmation of their release, urging residents to remain patient while rescue efforts continue.
