Police, Oyo LG Dismiss Claims of Igboho-Linked Rescue as Kidnap Victims Remain Missing

Conflicting accounts have continued to surround the abduction of residents in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, with authorities denying reports that the victims have regained their freedom.

The controversy erupted after claims circulated on social media and in sections of the media suggesting that Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, played a key role in securing the release of the captives.

The reports alleged that a woman, her children and a sibling who were kidnapped during a midnight attack were freed shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders.

The development sparked widespread celebrations in Igboho town, where residents were seen in viral videos rejoicing over what they believed was the successful rescue of the victims.

But Oorelope Local Government Chairman, Jacob Ogundiran, has dismissed the reports, saying there is no truth to claims that the victims have been released.

“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 said.

Ogundiran noted that security agencies were working relentlessly to secure the safe release of the captives and expressed confidence in ongoing rescue efforts.

He also commended security personnel, community leaders and residents for their cooperation and support.

“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,” the chairman added.

The Oyo State Police Command has also distanced itself from reports crediting Sunday Igboho with any rescue operation.

According to the police, there is no official evidence that the hostages have been released.

“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the command stated.

It further stressed that “the Oyo State Commissioner of Police has explicitly denied that Sunday Igboho was involved in recent rescue operations.”

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the command’s position, describing the statement as a response to widespread online claims.

The debate followed a viral video in which Igboho accused criminal elements of turning the town into a centre for kidnapping and alleged that some members of the Fulani community knew those responsible.

“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.

Warning that action would follow if the captives were not released, he declared: “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.”

Igboho also opposed any payment of ransom, claiming the kidnappers initially demanded N300 million before reducing the demand to N150 million.

The abduction generated widespread anger after reports emerged that gunmen kidnapped members of a family and later killed a pregnant woman and a ransom bearer despite negotiations.

Although reports of the victims’ release prompted celebrations in parts of the community, authorities maintain that there is currently no official confirmation of their freedom and have urged the public to rely only on verified information as rescue operations continue.

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