Several online platforms reported a video circulating on social media on Saturday, showing large crowds of residents singing and dancing alongside Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The jubilant scenes were described as a celebration of the purported release of abducted victims — a woman, her children, and a sibling.
According to the reports, the victims were allegedly freed after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders, demanding their release.
However, the Oyo State Police Command on Sunday refuted the claims, dismissing the viral video and related online content as misleading.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, urged residents to disregard the reports and instead provide credible information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing rescue operations.
The command emphasized that it has intensified intelligence-driven and tactical operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders. These efforts
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.
