Oyo kidnap: Police, LG deny victims’ release after Igboho’s ultimatum

Confusion has trailed reports that kidnapped victims in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, have regained freedom after an ultimatum issued by Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

The Oorelope Local Government chairman, Jacob Ogundiran, and the Oyo State Police Command have both dismissed the reports, insisting that the abducted victims are still in captivity.

The clarification came after viral videos showed residents jubilating with Igboho, creating the impression that the victims had been released following his two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders in the area.

The abducted victims were said to include a woman, her children and a sibling.

But in a statement on Sunday, Ogundiran described the reported release as false and misleading.

“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.

“We state authoritatively that these reports are false and misleading. The victims are still in captivity, and we urge the public to discountenance any information to the contrary unless it comes from credible sources,” he said.

The council chairman added that security agencies were still working to secure the safe rescue of the victims.

He also commended traditional rulers, community leaders, residents and other stakeholders for supporting ongoing security efforts with useful intelligence.

The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, also denied reports that the victims had been rescued or that Igboho played any role in their alleged release.

Ayanlade said security operatives were still making efforts to rescue the abducted victims.

He also clarified that the victims were not kidnapped in Igboho town, but in Igbope.

“Meanwhile, the victims were not even kidnapped in Igboho. They were kidnapped at Igbope,” he said.

The victims were reportedly abducted during a midnight attack by gunmen.

The kidnappers were said to have initially demanded N300 million ransom before reducing it to N150 million.

Following the incident, Igboho had issued a stern warning to suspected kidnappers and Fulani leaders in the area, demanding the release of the captives within two hours.

In a viral video, Igboho was seen addressing community representatives and traditional leaders, alleging that some members of the Fulani community were involved in killings and abductions in the area.

“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.

The viral jubilation that followed the ultimatum had triggered reports that the victims had been freed, but both the police and the local government have now denied the claim.