Fresh uncertainty has surrounded the fate of abducted residents in Igbope community of Oorelope Local Government Area in Oyo State after local authorities and the police dismissed reports that the victims had regained their freedom.
The controversy followed the circulation of a viral video on social media showing jubilant residents singing and celebrating alongside Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The celebrations had been widely interpreted as confirmation that members of a kidnapped family, including a woman, her children and another relative, had been released by their captors.
Reports had linked the alleged release to an ultimatum issued by Igboho to suspected kidnappers and leaders of Fulani settlements in the area, demanding that the victims be freed within two hours.
However, officials of the Oorelope Local Government and the Oyo State Police Command have maintained that the victims remain in captivity.
Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Jacob Ogundiran, described the reports of the victims’ release as inaccurate, warning residents against relying on unverified information.
According to him, the local administration had received several enquiries following the widespread circulation of the reports, but investigations showed that the abducted persons had not regained their freedom.
He urged residents to depend only on official updates while assuring that security agencies were working to secure the victims’ rescue.
Ogundiran also commended traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for assisting security operatives with useful information, stressing that protecting lives and property remained a major responsibility of the government.
Similarly, the spokesman for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, dismissed claims that the hostages had been rescued or that any individual had facilitated their release.
He clarified that security operatives were still making efforts to locate and rescue the victims, adding that the abduction did not occur in Igboho town as widely believed but in Igbope community.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped during a late-night attack on their residence by armed men who whisked away members of a family.
Sources had earlier indicated that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of N300 million before reducing the amount to N150 million during negotiations.
The incident sparked tension in the area and drew the attention of Sunday Igboho, who later visited the community and openly condemned the rising cases of abduction and violent attacks.
In videos that circulated online, the activist was seen addressing community leaders and Fulani representatives, accusing some criminal elements of involvement in kidnappings and killings within the area.
He also referenced previous incidents involving ransom payments and alleged killings of victims despite negotiations with kidnappers.
During the gathering, Igboho warned that further cases of kidnapping would not be tolerated and issued an ultimatum demanding the release of those still in captivity.
He stated that he had exercised restraint following appeals from traditional rulers and community leaders but insisted that the insecurity affecting the area must come to an end.
Following his intervention, videos showing residents celebrating spread rapidly on social media, leading to speculation that the victims had regained their freedom.
However, official statements from both the local government and the police have now cast doubt on the reports, insisting that efforts to rescue the abducted persons are still ongoing.
