- Authorities in Oyo State have denied reports that Igbope kidnap victims were rescued
- Officials said the abducted family remains in captivity despite viral claims and celebrations
- Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims safely
Uncertainty has surrounded reports of the alleged rescue of abducted residents in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, after both local authorities and the state police dismissed claims that the victims had been freed.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the controversy began after a widely shared video showed residents in large numbers celebrating alongside Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The scenes were interpreted by many online users as confirmation that a kidnapped woman, her children, and another relative had been released.
The supposed breakthrough was linked to an earlier intervention by Igboho, who had issued a short ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and community representatives demanding the victims’ release.
However, officials have now clarified that no such rescue has taken place.
Oorelope Local Government Chairman, Jacob Ogundiran, in a statement on Sunday, said the reports of freedom for the abducted family were incorrect and misleading.
He stressed that the victims are still in captivity and urged the public to rely only on verified information from official sources.
He added that security agencies are actively pursuing efforts to secure the safe return of the victims and assured residents that progress is being made through coordinated operations.
The Oyo State Police Command also rejected claims that the hostages had been rescued or that the activist played any role in their release.
Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed that investigations were ongoing and noted that the victims were kidnapped in Igbope, not Igboho, during a nighttime attack on a family residence.
Earlier reports indicated that the abductors initially demanded ₦300 million before lowering their ransom demand to ₦150 million.
The incident had sparked tension in the area, prompting Sunday Igboho to publicly condemn the attack and issue a warning to suspected criminals and community leaders over rising insecurity.
In a viral video, he accused some individuals of involvement in previous kidnapping incidents and demanded the immediate release of remaining captives, giving a short ultimatum and threatening action if it was ignored.
Despite celebrations seen in circulating videos, authorities maintain that the victims have not been released and remain in captivity while rescue efforts continue
