There was wild jubilation in Igboho, Oyo State, after a kidnapped family, including a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling, were reportedly released following a two-hour ultimatum issued by Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The victims’ release sparked celebration across the community, as residents trooped out in large numbers, singing, dancing and hailing their return.
In a video circulating on social media, excited residents were seen celebrating what they described as the freedom of the abducted family after days of tension in the town.
The development came shortly after Igboho issued a stern warning over the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in Igboho and surrounding communities.
In an earlier viral video, Igboho was seen addressing community representatives, traditional leaders and security stakeholders, where he expressed anger over alleged killings and abductions in the area.
The Yoruba activist accused some suspected criminal elements of terrorising residents and warned that such incidents must not continue in his hometown.
He also referred to previous cases of abduction and ransom negotiation, alleging that some victims and ransom bearers had been killed despite payments being made.
“I will enter your household and kill everybody. You can’t be kidnapping people in my hometown. I am Sunday Igboho, and I am from this hometown… I bear the name of this town. We cannot continue to tolerate kidnapping and the killing of innocent people in our land,” he said during the meeting.
Igboho maintained that the people of Igboho are peace-loving and have always welcomed visitors who respect the law, but warned that criminal activities would no longer be tolerated.
“We desire peaceful coexistence with everyone, but those who have chosen the path of violence and criminality must leave our land. Enough is enough… The person who brought the ransom, you still killed him and spared only one person.
“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 said in the video.
He then issued a two-hour ultimatum for the release of abducted victims, warning that failure to comply could lead to decisive action.
Igboho further warned that he would not fold his arms while residents of the community continued to live in fear.
Shortly after the ultimatum, videos from the community showed residents celebrating the reported release of the abducted family.
However, the exact circumstances surrounding the victims’ release were still unclear as of the time of filing this report.
It was also not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid or whether security agencies were directly involved in securing their freedom.
The incident has again drawn attention to worsening insecurity in parts of Oyo State, especially in communities where residents have repeatedly complained about kidnapping and attacks.
