Residents of Igboho in Oyo State erupted in celebration after a kidnapped family, including a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling, was reportedly released following a two-hour ultimatum issued by Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
Videos shared on social media on Sunday showed jubilant residents singing, dancing and welcoming the victims back to the community after news of their release spread across the town.
The development followed a strong warning by Igboho to suspected Fulani leaders and community representatives over what he described as recurring incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.
Speaking during a meeting attended by traditional leaders and community representatives, the activist expressed outrage over alleged abductions and killings linked to criminal elements operating in the area.
He specifically referenced the kidnapping of a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling, as well as reports of ransom demands made by the abductors.
According to him, previous incidents had left residents traumatised, with some victims and their relatives allegedly suffering tragic consequences despite efforts to secure their release.
“The person who brought the ransom, you still killed him and spared only one person,” Igboho said while addressing those present, warning that such occurrences would no longer be tolerated in the community.
He subsequently issued a two-hour deadline for the release of the abducted victims, insisting that he had exercised restraint only out of respect for appeals made by traditional rulers.
“I am Sunday Igboho. I am calm because my fathers asked me to be calm with you. Let this be the last time such a thing will happen,” he declared.
The activist also warned that failure to comply with the ultimatum could lead to decisive action, including efforts to enter locations suspected to be linked to the kidnappings.
Shortly after the ultimatum expired, videos emerged online showing residents celebrating what was described as the release of the abducted family.
Crowds gathered in parts of the town, chanting songs and expressing relief over the development.
However, as of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the circumstances of the victims’ release remained unclear.
Authorities have yet to provide an official account of how the family regained freedom or whether any arrests were made in connection with the abduction.
The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity and kidnapping in parts of Oyo State, particularly within communities in the Oke-Ogun axis, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to tackle criminal activities.
