The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation activist, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, played a role in the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.

This follows widespread reports that the victims regained freedom shortly after the activist issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers in the area.

Reacting to viral videos and social media reports, the police said there was no official confirmation that the victims had been rescued. The command further stressed that there was no evidence linking Igboho to any rescue operation.

The controversy began after Igboho allegedly issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and their alleged accomplices, demanding the immediate release of abducted family members or face direct confrontation.

Shortly after the ultimatum, reports emerged that the victims, including a woman, her children, and a sibling, had been freed. This sparked jubilation in parts of the community, with residents seen in viral videos celebrating and welcoming the return of the captives after days of tension.

The abduction had earlier triggered outrage after gunmen reportedly kidnapped members of a family during a midnight attack and demanded ransom.

Initial reports indicated that the abductors demanded N300 million before reducing the figure to N150 million during negotiations.

Tension escalated further following allegations that a pregnant woman and a ransom courier were killed during the incident, claims that fueled anger within the community and prompted Igboho’s intervention.

In a series of viral videos, the activist accused criminal elements of turning the area into a kidnapping hotspot and warned those he believed were shielding the perpetrators.

However, as celebrations over the alleged release spread online, the police countered the narrative, stating that there was no verified evidence confirming any rescue operation linked to the activist.

“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released,” the command stated, adding that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police had not confirmed any involvement by Igboho.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the circulating reports as “unsubstantiated” and urged the public to rely only on verified information, noting that investigations were still ongoing.

As of press time, uncertainty remains over the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged release of the victims, even as reactions continue to trail the incident across Oyo State and beyond.