LG chair, police refute claims of Igboho abductees’ release, urge against misinformation

By Adejayan Gbenga

Conflicting reports have continued to trail the fate of victims abducted in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, following claims that they regained freedom after an ultimatum issued by Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

Social media posts and viral videos over the weekend suggested that the abducted family had been released shortly after Igboho gave suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders a two-hour deadline to secure their freedom. The reports triggered celebrations in parts of the community, with videos showing residents singing and dancing.

The claims, however, were contradicted by both the Oorelope Local Government and the Oyo State Police Command, which maintained that the victims remained in captivity as of Sunday. The conflicting accounts have created uncertainty among residents and observers following days of heightened concern over the abduction.

Chairman of Oorelope Local Government Area, Jacob Ogundiran, dismissed reports of the victims’ release, describing them as misleading and capable of causing confusion. In a statement, he said there had been no official confirmation that the abducted family had regained freedom.

Ogundiran urged residents to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports. He added that security agencies were continuing efforts to rescue the victims and ensure their safe return to their families.

The Oyo State Police Command also refuted claims that the abductees had been rescued or released. Police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said there was no official information linking Igboho to any rescue operation or confirming that the victims had regained their freedom. He added that security operatives were still conducting coordinated operations to locate and rescue them.

The controversy followed a viral video in which Igboho condemned insecurity in the area and issued a two-hour ultimatum for the release of the abducted family. He accused criminal elements of operating within the community and warned that further action would be taken if the victims were not released. His comments drew mixed reactions on social media, with some residents supporting the intervention and others expressing concern about escalating tensions.

The victims, reported to be a woman, her children and a sibling, were abducted during a midnight attack in Igbope community. Reports indicated that the kidnappers initially demanded N300 million ransom before allegedly reducing it to N150 million during negotiations. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and disregard unverified reports while security agencies continue efforts to secure the victims’ release.