Igboho, photo credit: BBC
By James
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Residents of Igboho, the headquarters of Oorelope Local Government Area in Oyo State, erupted in jubilation after a kidnapped family, including a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling, reportedly regained their freedom, following a two-hour ultimatum issued by Yoruba Nation agitator and activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
Videos circulating on social media showed enthusiastic residents singing, dancing and celebrating the return of the victims, whom many had feared might not survive their ordeal.
The reported release came hours after Igboho publicly confronted community leaders and representatives over what he described as worsening insecurity and recurring cases of kidnapping in the area.
In a viral video, the activist expressed outrage over alleged abductions and killings linked to criminal elements, operating within local Fulani settlements. He specifically referenced the case of the kidnapped pregnant woman and claimed that a ransom bearer was killed despite efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“The person who brought the ransom, you still killed him and spared only one person,” Igboho said during the meeting.
He subsequently issued a two-hour deadline for the release of all remaining captives, warning that he would take further action if they were not freed. According to him, traditional rulers had appealed for restraint, a request he said he respected.
“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.
Igboho also warned that continued kidnappings and attacks on residents would no longer be tolerated, threatening to personally lead efforts to uncover locations allegedly used by kidnappers.
Following the expiration of the ultimatum, reports emerged that the abducted family had been released, prompting widespread celebrations across the community.
However, the exact circumstances surrounding their freedom had not been officially disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
Sunday Igboho rose to national prominence in 2021 after leading campaigns against criminal activities and kidnappings allegedly perpetrated by armed groups in parts of South-west Nigeria.
His activities have remained a subject of national debate, attracting both support from those who view him as a defender of local communities and criticism from those who argue that security matters should be handled exclusively by law enforcement agencies.
