Oyo Police have dismissed claims linking Sunday Igboho to the alleged release of kidnapped victims, saying no official confirmation has been received.
The Oyo State Police Command has moved to clarify growing public confusion surrounding reports that kidnapped victims in Igboho community have regained their freedom, firmly stating that no official confirmation has been received regarding the alleged rescue.
The clarification followed widespread celebrations and reactions across social media platforms after claims emerged that a family abducted by suspected kidnappers had been released shortly after Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, issued a public ultimatum demanding their freedom.
According to the police, reports linking the development to the intervention of Igboho remain unverified and should not be regarded as factual until security agencies provide an official update.
The Command emphasized that investigations into the incident are still ongoing and that members of the public should avoid relying on speculation or social media narratives.
The controversy began after armed men reportedly invaded the Igboho community in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State during a late-night operation.
Residents said the attackers stormed a residential area and abducted members of a family, triggering panic throughout the community.
Following the abduction, reports indicated that the kidnappers demanded a huge ransom for the victims’ release. Initial accounts suggested that the abductors requested as much as N300 million before allegedly reducing their demand to N150 million during negotiations.
The figures generated outrage among residents and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of the state.
As anxiety mounted, community members and stakeholders called for urgent intervention from security agencies and local leaders.
The incident quickly became a major topic of discussion across the region, with many residents expressing fears over the increasing frequency of kidnapping cases affecting rural communities.
The situation attracted even greater attention when Igboho publicly reacted to the incident. In videos circulated online, the activist condemned the activities of kidnappers and other criminal groups operating within the area.
He accused certain individuals of providing support for criminal activities and warned that communities could no longer remain silent in the face of growing insecurity.
In one of his public statements, Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate release of the abducted victims.
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The declaration rapidly gained traction online, attracting support from many residents who viewed the activist’s intervention as a strong response to the rising security challenges facing the area.
Shortly after the ultimatum expired, several social media users began sharing reports claiming that the victims had been released.
The development sparked celebrations among some residents, while others praised Igboho and attributed the alleged rescue to the pressure generated by his warning.
However, the Oyo State Police Command has insisted that such conclusions are premature. Authorities stressed that there is currently no verified evidence showing that the victims have been rescued or that Igboho played any direct role in securing their freedom.
The police further noted that the Nigeria Police Force has not issued any statement confirming the release of the hostages.
Officials also clarified that the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State has not endorsed reports suggesting that the activist coordinated or facilitated any rescue operation.
Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade reiterated that security agencies remain committed to obtaining accurate information before making public pronouncements.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators rather than spreading unconfirmed reports capable of creating confusion.
The incident has also been complicated by conflicting claims regarding the fate of individuals allegedly connected to the ransom process.
Reports circulating within the community suggested that a pregnant woman and a person involved in delivering ransom payments may have lost their lives during the crisis.
While these reports have generated concern, authorities have yet to provide definitive confirmation regarding the circumstances surrounding those claims.
Security analysts say the episode highlights the dangers associated with misinformation during security emergencies.
According to observers, premature reports of rescue operations can complicate investigations, mislead the public and create unrealistic expectations among affected families.
As uncertainty continues to surround the case, the Oyo State Police Command maintains that only official statements should be considered credible.
Authorities have promised to keep the public informed as investigations progress and more facts become available.
For now, the true status of the victims remains unclear. Despite the widespread reports and public excitement generated by the alleged rescue, the police insist there is no verified evidence confirming that the abductees have regained their freedom.
Until such confirmation emerges, the Command says all claims linking the development to Sunday Igboho or any other intervention should be treated with caution.
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