Residents of Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State celebrated on Saturday following reports that a kidnapped woman, her children, and a sibling had regained their freedom after a two-hour ultimatum issued by Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The victims were reportedly released shortly after Igboho directed Fulani community leaders in the town to secure their freedom within two hours or face unspecified consequences.
Although there was no immediate official confirmation from the Oyo State Police Command or other security agencies as of press time, videos circulating on social media showed jubilant residents celebrating what they described as the safe return of the abductees.
The development followed reports that armed kidnappers had abducted the woman, her children, and another family member while travelling through the area.
Speaking during a gathering in Igboho, Sunday Igboho reportedly accused criminal elements operating in the community of terrorising residents through kidnapping, killings, and other violent crimes. He subsequently issued a two-hour ultimatum to community leaders to ensure the victims’ release.
Local sources claimed the abductees were freed before the expiration of the deadline and that no ransom was paid. However, these claims could not be independently verified.
The incident has once again brought renewed attention to the security challenges facing parts of Oyo State, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns over increasing cases of kidnapping, armed attacks, and killings allegedly perpetrated by criminal gangs.
Sunday Igboho first gained national prominence in 2021 following his campaign against kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of Oyo State, particularly in the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun areas. His activities sparked nationwide debate on security, community policing, and the broader agitation for Yoruba self-determination.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement confirming the victims’ release or providing details about the circumstances surrounding their freedom.