By Adesakin Adefemi
Confusion has trailed reports of the release of kidnapped mother and son, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi and her child, after both the Oyo State Police Command and Oorelope Local Government dismissed viral claims that Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho had secured their freedom.
The victims were abducted on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during a midnight attack at Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area. Gunmen initially demanded N300 million ransom, later reducing it to N150 million, according to family sources.
A video circulating on social media Saturday showed large crowds singing and dancing with Igboho. The jubilation was described as a celebration of the victims’ release, following Igboho’s issuance of a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders.
In a statement Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Olayinka Ayanlade debunked the video, saying the claim was “false, unfounded, and misleading.” He stressed that Mrs. Omowumi and her son remain in captivity.
“The Oyo State police command wishes to state unequivocally that the claim contained in the circulated video is false,” Ayanlade said. He urged residents with credible information to come forward to aid ongoing rescue efforts.
The police said operational and intelligence-driven efforts have been sustained in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders to secure the victims’ safe rescue and bring perpetrators to justice. Authorities warned that unverified information could create false narratives and undermine the operation.
Oorelope Local Government Chairman Jacob Ogundiran also dismissed the reports as false and misleading. He stated authoritatively that the victims are still in captivity and urged the public to discountenance any contrary information not from credible sources.
Ogundiran assured that security agencies at state and local levels are intensifying efforts for the victims’ safe rescue. He commended community leaders and residents for providing intelligence while reiterating that protection of lives and property remains top priority.
Igboho had earlier warned Fulani community leaders over rising kidnappings, referencing a case where a ransom bearer was allegedly killed. He issued the ultimatum after appeals from traditional rulers, warning of “decisive action” if abducted victims were not released. Police have urged the public to rely only on official channels for updates.
