OYO GOVERNMENT, POLICE DEBUNK REPORTS OF RELEASE OF ABDUCTED IGBOHO VICTIMS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Confusion has persisted over the fate of victims abducted in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, as both the council chairman, Jacob Ogundiran, and the Oyo State Police Command have dismissed widespread reports claiming the captives have been freed.
The clarification comes amid controversy surrounding claims that Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, secured the victims’ release after issuing a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and some Fulani community leaders.
Earlier reports circulating on social media and in parts of the media suggested that the abducted victims—a woman, her children, and a sibling—were released shortly after Igboho’s intervention, sparking celebrations in parts of Igboho town, where residents were seen singing and rejoicing in viral videos.
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However, the Oorelope Local Government Chairman has now debunked the reports, insisting that the victims remain in captivity.
In a statement on Sunday, Ogundiran described the claims of release as false and misleading.
“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.
He added that security agencies at both state and local levels are intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the victims, noting that necessary resources and strategies have been deployed.
Ogundiran also expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration among security operatives, community leaders, and stakeholders working toward the victims’ release, while commending those providing intelligence and support.
“The protection of lives and property remains a top priority, and no effort will be spared in ensuring the safe return of the victims,” he stated, urging residents to remain calm and cautious in sharing information.
The police command also reinforced this position, dismissing viral claims linking the victims’ alleged release to Igboho’s intervention.
The Oyo State Police said there was no official confirmation that the hostages had been freed and stressed that no evidence supports claims of Igboho’s involvement in any rescue operation.
“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the command stated, adding that the Commissioner of Police had not confirmed any such development.
The police urged the public to rely only on verified and official channels for updates, warning against the spread of unverified reports.
Confirming the command’s stance, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the circulating claims as mere reactions without official backing.
The controversy follows a viral video in which Igboho accused criminal elements of turning Igboho town into a kidnapping hotspot and alleged complicity among some individuals within the Fulani community.
In the video, he issued a strong warning, insisting he would not tolerate kidnapping in his ancestral land and demanding the immediate release of the abducted victims.
He later issued a two-hour ultimatum for the release of the woman, her children, and her sibling, threatening consequences if his demand was not met.
Igboho also alleged that ransom demands initially stood at N300 million before being reduced to N150 million during negotiations, and accused community actors of harbouring the kidnappers.
He further claimed that intelligence tracking had led to locations linked to prominent figures in the area, allegations which have not been independently verified.
While earlier reports of the victims’ release sparked public jubilation in parts of the community, authorities maintain that no official confirmation has been made, urging calm as security agencies continue rescue efforts.
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