…Say abduction occurred in Igbope, not Igboho
…Ransom reportedly slashed from N300m to N150
Daud Olatunji
Confusion has trailed reports of the alleged release of a kidnapped family in Igbope, as the Oyo State Police Command and local authorities on Sunday dismissed viral claims suggesting that the victims had regained freedom following a two-hour ultimatum issued by Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo.
The controversy followed widely circulated videos showing residents in jubilation, dancing and celebrating alongside Igboho, amid claims that a kidnapped woman, her children and a sibling had been released after suspected abductors allegedly bowed to pressure from the activist’s ultimatum.
The reports, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, triggered mixed reactions and celebrations in some quarters, with many attributing the alleged development to Igboho’s intervention.
But the Chairman of Oorelope Local Government Area, Jacob Ogundiran, swiftly debunked the claims, describing them as false and misleading.
According to him, the victims remain in captivity, stressing that no official confirmation had been received regarding any rescue or release.
“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. These reports are entirely false and misleading. The victims are still in captivity,” he said.
Ogundiran urged residents to disregard social media narratives and rely only on verified security updates, adding that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe return.
Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command faulted the viral reports, insisting that no rescue had been confirmed and that the abduction occurred in Igbope—not Igboho as widely circulated online.
Police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said investigations and rescue operations were still ongoing.
“Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims. Meanwhile, they were not kidnapped in Igboho; the incident happened in Igbope,” he said.
Ayanlade also declined to confirm any involvement of Igboho in the alleged release, noting that the command had no evidence that the victims had been freed.
Findings showed that the victims were abducted during a midnight attack by gunmen who invaded their residence, with kidnappers initially demanding N300 million, before reportedly reducing the ransom to N150 million amid negotiations.
The incident escalated tension in the community after Igboho, in a viral video, issued a stern warning to suspected Fulani community leaders, accusing some members of complicity in rising cases of kidnapping and killings in the area.
He referenced previous violent incidents, alleging that ransom delivery efforts had turned deadly.
“The person who brought the ransom, you still killed him and spared only one person. This must not happen again,” he warned.
Igboho further issued a two-hour ultimatum for the release of abducted victims, saying he had restrained himself following appeals from traditional rulers but warned of consequences if the directive was ignored.
“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 said.
He threatened to take further action, including moving into suspected hideouts linked to the kidnappings if the victims were not released.
Despite the viral celebration videos, authorities insist no verified rescue has taken place, leaving residents uncertain as security agencies continue search-and-rescue operations in the area.
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