Authorities in Oyo State have confirmed that kidnapped victims in Igbope remain in captivity, debunking viral videos suggesting a successful rescue linked to Sunday Igboho’s intervention.
Confusion has spread across Oyo State after viral videos suggested that kidnapped victims in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area, had been rescued—claims now confirmed to be false by authorities.
The video, which showed residents celebrating, singing, and dancing alongside Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was widely circulated online and initially interpreted as evidence that the abducted woman, her children, and a relative had been freed.
The celebration was also linked to an alleged ultimatum reportedly issued by Igboho to suspected kidnappers and community leaders, demanding the release of the victims within a short time frame.
However, both government and security sources have debunked the claims.
The Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Jacob Ogundiran, stated that no rescue has taken place, stressing that the kidnapped victims are still in captivity and warning the public against relying on unverified social media reports.
Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed that there has been no successful rescue operation. Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade clarified that the abduction occurred in Igbope during a midnight attack by armed men, not in Igboho as earlier reported online.
Security reports indicate that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦300 million ransom, later reducing it to ₦150 million amid ongoing negotiations.
The situation became more complicated after Sunday Igboho appeared in a viral video addressing community leaders, where he condemned rising insecurity and issued warnings to suspected criminals. His intervention, combined with the earlier footage of celebrations, fueled widespread misunderstanding that the victims had already been released.
Despite the viral jubilation online, authorities have confirmed that the victims remain in captivity, while efforts to secure their release are still ongoing.
