Conflicting accounts have continued to surround the fate of victims kidnapped in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, as the Oyo State Police Command and the local council authorities denied reports that the captives had regained their freedom.
The reports gained traction after a video circulated on social media showing residents celebrating alongside Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. The celebrations were widely interpreted as marking the release of the abducted victims, said to include a woman, her children and a sibling.
The alleged release was linked to a two-hour ultimatum issued by Igboho to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders, demanding that the victims be freed.
However, the Chairman of Oorelope Local Government Area, Jacob Ogundiran, has dismissed the claims, insisting that the victims remain in captivity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ogundiran described reports of the victims’ release as inaccurate and urged members of the public to rely only on information from verified sources.
He stated that security agencies at both the state and local levels were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abductees. He also praised community leaders, residents and other stakeholders for their cooperation and intelligence support, stressing that safeguarding lives and property remains a priority.
“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.
Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command denied the reports, describing them as false and misleading.
According to the command, coordinated operational and intelligence efforts involving other security agencies and relevant stakeholders are ongoing to secure the victims’ release and apprehend those behind the abduction.
(The Whistler)