How Igboho’s two-hour ultimatum forced dramatic release of kidnap victims in Oyo

By Adeola Badru Residents of Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State erupted in celebration following the reported release of a family abducted by suspected kidnappers, hours after Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding their freedom. The victims, said to include a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling, were reportedly released after days in captivity, sparking jubilation across the community. Videos circulating on social media showed residents flooding the streets to welcome the victims home, singing and dancing in celebration of their return. The abduction had generated widespread outrage after reports emerged that armed men invaded the family’s residence during a midnight raid and demanded a huge ransom for their release. According to reports, the kidnappers initially demanded N300 million before reducing the amount to N150 million during negotiations. The incident further heightened tensions following allegations that a pregnant woman and a ransom bearer were killed despite efforts to secure the victims’ freedom. The reported killings drew a strong reaction from Sunday Igboho, who accused criminal elements of turning the ancient town into a kidnapping hotspot and vowed that such incidents would no longer be tolerated. Addressing Fulani community leaders and traditional representatives in Igboho in a viral video, the activist condemned the alleged abductions and killings. “You can’t be kidnapping in my father’s land and expect me to keep quiet. I’m an original indigene of Igboho land,” he said. Igboho alleged that those behind the crime were known within the community and criticised leaders for failing to curb criminal activities. He also questioned what he described as a pattern in the attacks, claiming that victims of the kidnappings were predominantly Yoruba residents. Amid rising tension in the area, the activist issued a two-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate release of the remaining captives. “I give you people two hours to release the woman, her children and her sibling who were kidnapped in the middle of the night. If I don’t see them within the next two hours, we will face each other,” he warned. Igboho further rejected calls for the victims’ relatives to pay the ransom, insisting that members of the community should work towards securing their release. Hours after the ultimatum elapsed, reports indicated that the victims had regained their freedom, prompting celebrations across the town. Residents who had anxiously awaited the outcome of the ultimatum poured into the streets in scenes of relief and excitement, describing the development as a significant breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in the area. The incident has reignited concerns over the growing threat of kidnapping in parts of Oyo State and renewed calls for security agencies to intensify efforts against criminal gangs operating in rural communities. As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release. The post How Igboho’s two-hour ultimatum forced dramatic release of kidnap victims in Oyo appeared first on Vanguard News.