The Oyo State Police Command and officials of Oorelope Local Government Area have dismissed reports claiming that victims abducted in Igbope community have regained their freedom following a two-hour ultimatum issued by Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo.

Conflicting accounts emerged after videos circulated on social media showing residents celebrating with Igboho, fuelling speculation that the abductees had been rescued. The victims are reported to include a woman, her children and a sibling who were kidnapped earlier this week in Igbope, a community within Oorelope Local Government Area.

However, Oorelope Local Government Chairman Jacob Ogundiran described the reports as false and urged residents to rely only on information from official sources.

According to him, the victims remain in captivity while security agencies continue efforts to secure their release.

The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, also rejected claims that the hostages had been released or that Igboho had played any role in a rescue operation. The police said intelligence-led operations are ongoing in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.

The development follows an ultimatum issued by Igboho to suspected kidnappers and some Fulani community leaders in the area, demanding the immediate release of the victims. He alleged that the kidnappers initially demanded a ₦300 million ransom, which was later reduced to ₦150 million.

As of Sunday evening, there has been no official confirmation of the victims’ release. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue efforts. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.