IBADAN — The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was responsible for the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The development comes amid widespread celebrations and viral social media reports suggesting that the captives regained their freedom shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and their alleged collaborators.
However, the police insisted that there is no official confirmation that the victims were rescued and no evidence linking Igboho to any rescue operation.
The controversy erupted after the activist dramatically ordered suspected kidnappers to release members of an abducted family within two hours or face direct action.
Shortly after the ultimatum, reports flooded social media claiming that the victims, including a woman, her children and a sibling, had regained their freedom, triggering jubilation in parts of the community.
Viral videos showed excited residents singing, dancing and celebrating the return of the captives after days of anxiety and uncertainty.
The abduction had sparked outrage after gunmen reportedly invaded a community in the area and kidnapped members of a family during a midnight attack.
Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N300 million ransom before reducing the amount to N150 million during negotiations.
The situation became even more tense following allegations that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier were killed in connection with the incident, claims that stirred anger among residents and prompted Igboho’s intervention.
In several viral videos, the activist accused criminal elements of turning the area into a kidnapping haven and warned those allegedly shielding the perpetrators to desist.
But reacting to reports linking the release of the victims to Igboho’s ultimatum, the Oyo State Police Command distanced itself from the claims.
“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the Command stated.
Police authorities stressed that the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State had not confirmed any involvement by Sunday Igboho in the reported development.
The Command also warned members of the public against relying on unverified social media reports, noting that investigations into the incident were still ongoing.
According to the police, no operational connection has been established between Igboho and the alleged release of the victims.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the circulating reports as “unsubstantiated” and urged residents to await official updates from security agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, uncertainty still surrounds the exact circumstances of the victims’ alleged release, even as debate continues over the role played by Sunday Igboho in the unfolding drama.
The incident has continued to generate reactions across Oyo State and beyond, with many awaiting official confirmation on the fate of the abducted family members.
