Conflicting accounts have emerged over the fate of victims abducted by suspected kidnappers in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, with the Oyo State Police Command and local authorities insisting the captives remain in custody despite widespread claims of their release.
The controversy followed viral reports that the victims regained their freedom shortly after Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding their unconditional release.
The reports, which spread rapidly across social media, triggered celebrations in parts of Igboho, where residents were seen singing and dancing over what they believed was the successful rescue of the abductees.
However, both the Oorelope Local Government and the police have dismissed the reports as unverified, urging the public to rely only on official information.
Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Jacob Ogundiran, described the reports as false, stressing that the victims had yet to be rescued.
“The kidnapped victims are yet to regain their freedom. We urge members of the public to disregard any information suggesting otherwise unless it comes from official and credible sources,” he said in a statement.
Ogundiran disclosed that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of the victims, assuring residents that all necessary resources were being deployed to bring the situation to a successful conclusion.
He also appealed for calm and restraint, warning against the circulation of unverified information capable of heightening tension in the community.
“The protection of lives and property remains our priority, and no effort will be spared in ensuring the safe return of the victims,” he added.
The Oyo State Police Command also distanced itself from reports linking the alleged release of the victims to Sunday Igboho.
The command said there was no official confirmation that the hostages had regained their freedom and dismissed claims that the activist played any role in a rescue operation.
Confirming the police position, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command’s statement was issued in response to widespread misinformation circulating online.
The controversy erupted after Igboho released a viral video in which he accused criminal elements of turning the ancient town into a kidnapping hotspot.
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In the video, the activist blamed some members of the Fulani community for allegedly harbouring kidnappers and warned that continued attacks on residents would no longer be tolerated.
Addressing Fulani leaders and traditional representatives, Igboho declared that those responsible for the abduction of a woman, her children and another family member must release them within two hours or face consequences.
He also alleged that investigations by his team traced the suspects to locations linked to prominent members of the community, while insisting that no ransom should be paid by the victims’ relatives.
The activist further claimed that the kidnappers initially demanded N300 million before reducing the ransom to N150 million.
The abduction has sparked widespread outrage across Oyo State, particularly following allegations that a pregnant woman and a ransom bearer were killed during the ordeal.
Although reports of the victims’ freedom sparked celebrations in parts of Igboho, authorities maintain there is no official evidence that the hostages have been rescued.
Security agencies say efforts are continuing to secure the safe release of the abductees, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing operations.