The Oyo State Police Command has rejected online claims suggesting that Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, was responsible for securing the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho community, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Responding to viral videos and social media narratives, the police said there was no official confirmation that the abducted family had been rescued and no evidence linking Igboho to any operation connected to the incident.
“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the command said, noting that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police had not verified any involvement by Igboho.
The police clarification came after widespread excitement over reports that a woman, her children and a relative, who were kidnapped during a midnight attack by armed men, had regained their freedom shortly after Igboho issued a two hour ultimatum demanding their release.
In the warning, the activist threatened to take further action if the captives were not freed within the stipulated period.
Soon after, unconfirmed reports emerged online claiming the victims had been released, sparking celebrations and emotional reactions within the community.
The kidnapping had earlier unsettled residents after gunmen allegedly invaded the area at night, abducted members of a family and demanded a ransom. The amount was reportedly set at N300 million before being reduced to N150 million during negotiations.
Public anxiety grew amid reports that a pregnant woman and a person who delivered ransom money may have lost their lives during the ordeal.
In videos widely shared online, Igboho criticised the growing spate of kidnappings in the area and warned individuals he accused of shielding criminal elements.
Despite the speculation, the Oyo State Police Command maintained that the reports remained unverified. Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade urged the public not to regard the claims as official information.
As of the time of filing this report, uncertainty remains over the whereabouts and condition of the abducted family, with conflicting accounts continuing to circulate both online and within the community.
