‘Kidnap victims yet to regain freedom,’ Oyo council chair dismisses social media reports

The Executive Chairman of Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, Hon. Jacob Ogundiran, has dismissed reports claiming that victims of a recent kidnapping incident in the area have been released.

The clarification comes amid confusion in Igboho, Oke-Ogun Axis of the LGA, where residents had earlier celebrated what they believed was the release of an abducted family following reports that circulated on social media.

The development was further heightened following a viral video of Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, in which he addressed Fulani community leaders and traditional representatives in Igboho, issuing a two-hour ultimatum for the release of the abducted victims.

In the video, Igboho accused suspected perpetrators of kidnapping in the area, alleging that the victims were being held in a forest location within the community.

Security sources had earlier confirmed that the incident involved the abduction of a woman said to be pregnant, her children and a sibling, who were taken away during a midnight attack by armed men on June 16.

Reports also claimed that ransom negotiations were ongoing, with figures initially placed at N300m before being reduced to N150m, although these details remain unverified.

However, in the statement issued on Sunday, the Local Government Chairman described the reports of the victims’ release as false, misleading and not reflective of the situation on the ground.

He said, “The attention of the leadership of Oorelope Local Government has been drawn to widespread rumours and unverified reports circulating on various media platforms claiming that the victims of the recent kidnapping incident within the local government area have been released.”

“We wish to categorically state that, as of the time of issuing this statement, such reports are false, misleading, and do not reflect the current reality on the ground.”

He stressed that the abducted persons were still in captivity and urged the public to rely only on verified information from official sources.

“The kidnapped victims are yet to regain their freedom, and we urge members of the public to disregard any information suggesting otherwise unless it emanates from official and credible sources.

“It is important to clarify that concerted efforts are currently ongoing by security agencies at both the state and local levels to secure the safe rescue of the victims,” he said.

He added that relevant authorities were deploying necessary resources and strategies toward ensuring a successful rescue operation.

“The relevant authorities have continued to work tirelessly, deploying necessary resources and strategies to ensure a positive outcome,” he stated.

The chairman commended security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders supporting the operation, describing their collaboration as encouraging.

“We sincerely appreciate all security agencies, stakeholders, community leaders, and concerned citizens who have continued to provide assistance, intelligence, prayers, and support during this challenging period,” he said.

Ogundiran assured residents that the protection of lives and property remained a priority of his administration.

“We wish to assure the general public that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority of this administration, and no effort will be spared in ensuring the safe return of the victims.

“We therefore appeal for calm, vigilance, and responsible dissemination of information as we collectively work towards bringing this unfortunate situation to a successful resolution,” he said.