Police, Igboho clash over alleged role in rescue of kidnap victims

By Adeola Badru

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, played any role in the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, despite widespread reports that the captives regained freedom shortly after he issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers.

The police, reacting to viral videos and social media reports, said there was no official confirmation that the victims had been rescued and insisted there was no evidence linking Igboho to any rescue operation.

The controversy followed a dramatic intervention by the activist, who had issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and alleged accomplices, demanding the immediate release of abducted family members or face direct confrontation.

Shortly after the ultimatum, reports emerged that the victims — including a woman, her children and a sibling — had been freed, sparking jubilation in parts of the community. Residents were seen in viral videos celebrating, dancing, and welcoming the return of the captives after days of tension.

The abduction had earlier triggered outrage after gunmen reportedly kidnapped members of a family during a midnight attack and demanded ransom. Initial reports indicated the abductors demanded N300 million before later reducing the figure to N150 million during negotiations.

Tension escalated further following allegations that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier were killed during the incident, claims that fueled anger in the community and prompted Igboho’s intervention.

In a series of viral videos, Igboho accused criminal elements of turning the area into a kidnapping hotspot and issued warnings to those he believed were shielding the perpetrators.

As celebrations over the alleged release spread online, the Oyo State Police Command countered the narrative, stating that there was no evidence confirming any rescue operation linked to the activist.

“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the command said, adding that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police had not confirmed Igboho’s involvement in any operation.

The Command also cautioned against relying on unverified social media reports, stressing that official investigations were still ongoing and no operational link had been established between Igboho and the reported developments.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the position of the Command, describing the circulating reports as “unsubstantiated” and urging the public to await verified information.

As of press time, uncertainty remains over the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged release of the victims, even as reactions continue to trail the incident across Oyo State and beyond.

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