Conflicting reports continue to trail the fate of victims abducted in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, with both the Oorelope Local Government Chairman and the Oyo State Police Command dismissing claims that the captives have regained their freedom.

Speculation over the victims’ alleged release gained momentum after reports circulated on social media suggesting that Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, secured their freedom after issuing a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders in the area.

The reports, which claimed that a woman, her children and a sibling had been released following Igboho’s intervention, sparked celebrations across Igboho town, where residents were seen in viral videos singing and rejoicing over what was believed to be a successful rescue.

However, Oorelope Local Government Chairman Jacob Ogundiran has dismissed the reports, insisting that the abducted victims remain in captivity.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ogundiran described the claims as false and urged residents to rely only on verified information from official sources.

“The kidnapped victims are yet to regain their freedom. We urge members of the public to disregard any information suggesting otherwise unless it emanates from official and credible sources,” he said.

The council chairman disclosed that security agencies at both the state and local levels are intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of the victims, adding that all necessary resources and strategies are being deployed to achieve a positive outcome.

He commended security personnel, community leaders, stakeholders and residents for providing intelligence and support, while assuring the public that protecting lives and property remains a top priority.

“The protection of lives and property remains a top priority of this administration, and no effort will be spared in ensuring the safe return of the victims,” Ogundiran stated.

He also appealed for calm and urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information as rescue operations continue.

The Oyo State Police Command has similarly rejected reports linking the alleged release of the captives to Sunday Igboho’s intervention.

Reacting to viral claims, the police maintained that there was no official confirmation that the victims had been rescued and said there was no evidence connecting Igboho to any successful rescue operation.

According to the command, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police has expressly denied claims that the activist participated in recent rescue efforts, urging the public to rely solely on official updates regarding the incident.

Confirming the position of the command, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police statement was issued as a reaction to misinformation circulating online.

The controversy follows a strongly worded warning issued by Sunday Igboho, who accused criminal elements of turning Igboho town into a hotspot for kidnapping and alleged that some members of the Fulani community were shielding those responsible.

In a viral video, the activist condemned the reported abduction of a woman, her children and a sibling, while alleging that a pregnant woman and a ransom bearer had earlier been killed by kidnappers operating in the area.

“You can’t be kidnapping in my father’s land and expect me to keep quiet. I’m an original indigene of Igboho land,” Igboho declared.

He further accused Fulani community leaders of failing to rein in criminal elements and questioned why victims of the abductions were predominantly Yoruba residents.

“No, it’s the Yorubas they have been kidnapping and it should not be like that. This should be the last, and let us stay in harmony,” he said.

Igboho subsequently issued a two-hour ultimatum for the release of the remaining captives, warning that failure to comply would lead to direct confrontation.

“I give you people two hours to release the woman, her children and her sibling who were kidnapped in the middle of the night. If I don’t see them within the next two hours, we will face each other,” he warned.

He also alleged that attempts to trace the kidnappers led to locations connected to influential individuals within the community and rejected any suggestion that the victims’ families should pay ransom.

According to reports, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦300 million before reducing the amount to ₦150 million during negotiations.

The abduction has generated widespread outrage in the community, with allegations that a pregnant woman and a ransom bearer were killed despite efforts to secure the victims’ release.

Despite the celebrations that followed claims of a successful rescue, both the Oorelope Local Government and the Oyo State Police Command insist there is currently no official confirmation that the abducted victims have been freed, urging residents to remain calm while security agencies continue rescue operations.