Authorities in Oyo State have refuted widespread reports claiming that victims abducted in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area, have regained their freedom following an ultimatum reportedly issued by Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

The controversy emerged after a viral video circulated on social media showing residents celebrating and chanting in support of Igboho. Several online posts interpreted the gathering as a celebration of the release of Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi, her son, and other family members who were kidnapped during an attack in the area.

However, both the Oyo State Police Command and the Oorelope Local Government administration have described the reports as inaccurate, insisting that the victims remain in captivity.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, speaking on behalf of the command, said ongoing rescue efforts were still underway and urged the public to disregard unverified information capable of misleading residents and disrupting security operations.

According to the police, intelligence gathering and coordinated operations involving multiple security agencies are being intensified to secure the safe return of the victims and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.

The command warned that spreading unconfirmed reports at a sensitive time could create confusion, fuel misinformation, and potentially undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

Similarly, the Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Hon. Jacob Ogundiran, dismissed claims that the kidnapped victims had been released.

He stated that information suggesting the captives had regained their freedom was false and urged residents to rely only on verified updates from official sources.

The chairman assured the public that security agencies and local authorities were working closely to ensure the victims’ safe rescue while appreciating community leaders and residents who have continued to support investigations with useful information.

The victims were reportedly abducted during a late-night attack on June 16, 2026. Reports indicated that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom running into hundreds of millions of naira before allegedly reducing their demand.

The incident sparked outrage across the area, prompting Sunday Igboho to publicly challenge suspected Fulani community leaders over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the region.

During a widely circulated address, Igboho condemned the growing wave of abductions and warned that residents could no longer tolerate attacks on innocent people. He also issued a deadline for the release of those held captive, stressing that local communities deserved protection from criminal elements.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies maintain that rescue operations remain active and no official confirmation of the victims’ release has been issued.