By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
Conflicting accounts have emerged over the fate of a family abducted in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, as the Oyo State Police Command and the Oorelope Local Government Council have denied reports that the victims were released following an ultimatum issued by Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The clarification came after videos circulated on social media showing jubilant residents celebrating alongside Igboho.
The celebrations were widely interpreted as marking the release of the abducted victims, believed to be a woman, her children and another family member.
The celebrations followed a widely publicised warning by Igboho, who reportedly gave suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders a two hour ultimatum to secure the victims’ freedom.
However, authorities insist that the reports are inaccurate.
In a statement on Sunday, the Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Jacob Ogundiran, described the reports as false and urged members of the public to disregard unverified information regarding the victims’ whereabouts.
He stated that the abducted family remained in captivity and assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure their safe rescue.
Ogundiran also commended community leaders, residents and other stakeholders for providing useful information to security agencies, adding that the protection of lives and property remains the government’s priority.
The Oyo State Police Command also dismissed claims linking the victims’ release to Igboho’s intervention.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said efforts to rescue the victims were still ongoing and noted that there was no official confirmation that the abductees had regained their freedom.
He further clarified that the victims were abducted in Igbope and not in Igboho town, correcting what he described as widespread misinformation surrounding the incident.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped during a midnight attack on their residence by armed men who initially demanded a ransom of N300 million before allegedly reducing the amount to N150 million.
The incident sparked outrage within the community and prompted Igboho to address traditional rulers and community representatives over the worsening security situation.
During the meeting, the activist accused some members of the Fulani community of involvement in kidnappings and other violent crimes in the area. He also referenced previous incidents involving ransom negotiations that allegedly ended in tragedy.
Igboho warned that kidnappings and killings would no longer be tolerated and vowed to take decisive action if the abducted family was not released within the deadline he issued.
Following his remarks, videos emerged online showing residents singing and celebrating, leading to widespread speculation that the victims had regained their freedom
Despite the celebrations, both the Oyo State Government and the police have maintained that the abducted family remains in captivity while security operatives continue rescue efforts.
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