The local council chairman in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State and the Oyo State Police Command have both dismissed reports suggesting that the victims who were abducted had been freed.
This rebuttal comes after a video circulating on social media on Saturday showing large crowds of residents singing and dancing with Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The jubilation was described as a celebration of the release of the victims, a woman, her children, and a sibling.
They were said to be released following Igboho’s issuance of a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders, demanding their release.
However, both local and state authorities have refuted these reports.
In a statement on Sunday, the Oorelope Local Government Chairman, Jacob Ogundiran, described the claims as false and misleading.
“The attention of the Oorelope Local Government Area leadership has been drawn to circulating rumours and unverified reports claiming the release of the kidnapping victims.
“We state authoritatively that these reports are false and misleading. The victims are still in captivity, and we urge the public to discountenance any information to the contrary unless it comes from credible sources,” the statement read.
Ogundiran assured that security agencies at state and local levels are intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe rescue, while commending community leaders, residents, and stakeholders for providing intelligence and support. He emphasised that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority.
The spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, also debunked claims that the hostages had been released or that Igboho played any role in their rescue.
