OSUN DEFENDER reports that a video circulating on social media on Saturday showed large crowds of residents singing and dancing with Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The jubilation was described as a celebration of the release of the victims: a woman, her children, and a sibling.
They were said to be released following Igboho’s issuance of a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders, demanding their release.
But the state police command, on Sunday, debunked the viral video and related online content alleging that the abducted.
A statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, urged residents who may possess useful and credible information relating to the incident to come forward and assist security agencies in ensuring the success of the ongoing operation.
The police stressed that the command had sustained and intensified operational and intelligence-driven efforts in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders towards securing the safe rescue of the abducted victims.
It said, “The Oyo State police command has taken notice of a video and related online contents alleging that the victims abducted in Igboho on 16th June, 2026, namely Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and her son, have been rescued.
“The command wishes to state unequivocally that the claim contained in the circulated video is false, unfounded, and misleading.
“Since the incident was reported, the command has sustained and intensified operational and intelligence-driven efforts in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders towards securing the safe rescue of the abducted victims and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The circulation of unverified information at this critical period is capable of creating false narratives, generating unnecessary confusion, and undermining ongoing rescue efforts.”
The police further urged members of the public to rely only on official communication channels for updates and to verify the authenticity of any content before sharing, to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Also in a statement on Sunday, the Oorelope Local Government Chairman, Jacob Ogundiran, described the claims as false and misleading.
“The attention of the Oorelope Local Government Area leadership has been drawn to circulating rumours and unverified reports claiming the release of the kidnapping victims.
“We state authoritatively that these reports are false and misleading. The victims are still in captivity, and we urge the public to discountenance any information to the contrary unless it comes from credible sources,” the statement read.
Ogundiran assured that security agencies at the state and local levels were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe rescue, while commending community leaders, residents, and stakeholders for providing intelligence and support.
He emphasised that the protection of lives and property remained a top priority.
The post Oyo Kidnapping Saga: Police, LG Reject Viral Rescue Claims By Igboho, Say Victims Still In Captivity appeared first on OsunDefender.
