The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, played a role in securing the release of victims abducted in Igboho community, Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.
The command said reports circulating on social media linking the activist to the alleged freedom of the victims were unverified and did not reflect the official position of the police.
According to the police, there is no confirmation that the abducted family has regained freedom, contrary to widespread claims that emerged online shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding their release.
“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the command stated, adding that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police had not confirmed any involvement by Igboho in efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The controversy followed the abduction of a woman, her children and a relative during a midnight attack by gunmen in the community.
The kidnappers were said to have initially demanded a ransom of N300m, which was later reduced to N150m during negotiations.
Tension heightened after reports emerged that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier may have been killed in connection with the incident, although details surrounding the claims remain unclear.
Igboho had, in viral videos, condemned the rising wave of kidnappings in the area and threatened to take action if the victims were not released within two hours.
Shortly after the ultimatum, social media platforms were flooded with claims that the captives had regained freedom, sparking celebrations among some residents.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, maintained that the reports remained unverified and should not be regarded as official information.
As of the time of filing this report, uncertainty still surrounded the fate of the abducted family, with conflicting accounts continuing to trail the incident.
