The Chairman of Oorelope Local Government Area in Oyo State and the Oyo State Police Command have denied reports claiming that recently abducted victims in Igbope have regained their freedom.
The clarification followed a viral video that circulated on social media showing residents celebrating alongside Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. The celebrations sparked widespread claims that the kidnapped woman, her children, and a sibling had been released.
According to the rumours, the victims were freed after Sunday Igboho allegedly issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders, demanding their immediate release.
However, local and state authorities have firmly rejected the reports, describing them as false and misleading.
In an official statement, Oorelope Local Government Chairman Jacob Ogundiran stated that the victims are still being held captive. He urged members of the public to ignore unverified information and rely only on updates from credible and official sources.
Ogundiran assured residents that security agencies at both the state and local levels are working tirelessly to secure the safe rescue of the victims. He also praised community leaders, residents, and stakeholders for their cooperation and intelligence gathering efforts, stressing that protecting lives and property remains a top priority.
Similarly, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, dismissed claims that the hostages had been released. He also denied reports suggesting that Sunday Igboho played any role in the rescue of the victims.
The authorities reiterated that the kidnapping victims remain in captivity and that ongoing security operations are focused on ensuring their safe return. They urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could create confusion and hinder rescue efforts.
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