Fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in Oyo State have emerged following the reported killing of a pregnant woman and a man who allegedly delivered ransom money to secure her freedom after they were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures in communities grappling with increasing cases of kidnapping, killings and violent attacks.
According to reports, the pregnant woman, her children and a sibling were abducted during a midnight raid on their residence by suspected Fulani gunmen.
The kidnappers were said to have initially demanded N300 million for the victims’ release before reducing the amount to N150 million following negotiations with the family.
However, despite ongoing discussions, the abductors allegedly killed the pregnant woman and a man who took ransom money to facilitate her release. At least one victim was reportedly still being held captive as of the time of filing this report.
The development has heightened fears among residents of Igboho and neighbouring communities already battling rising insecurity.
Sunday Igboho Reacts
The incident drew a strong reaction from Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who accused the kidnappers of terrorising residents and vowed that such acts would no longer be tolerated in his ancestral community.
Addressing Fulani leaders in Igboho, the activist condemned the killings and questioned how such an incident could occur in the town.
“You can’t be kidnapping in my father’s land and expect me to keep quiet. I’m an original indigene of Igboho land.
“You kidnapped a pregnant woman, and the person who brought the ransom, you killed him and killed the pregnant woman, for what? In Igboho? You people are not even afraid of me in my father’s land?” he said.
Igboho further alleged that members of the Fulani community were responsible for the abduction and killings, insisting that such actions threatened the peaceful coexistence that had existed within the community.
Two-Hour Ultimatum Issued
Amid growing tension, Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in the area, demanding the immediate release of the remaining captives.
“I give you people two hours to release the woman, her children and her sibling who were kidnapped in the middle of the night. If I don’t see them within the next two hours, we will meet,” he warned.
He also claimed that efforts to trace the kidnappers led to specific locations within the community where the victims were allegedly moved after their abduction.
READ ALSO:
- Kidnap Gang Targets Motorists on Lagos Expressway, Survivor Recounts Escape
- Security Operatives Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers in Edo Forest
- FG Declares Kidnappers, Bandits Terrorists
- Police Uncover Suspected Kidnap Logistics Network in FCT, Four Arrested
The activist rejected calls for the victims’ families to pay the ransom demanded by the abductors, arguing that members of the Fulani community should take responsibility for securing the release of the captives.
“We don’t have any ransom to pay. You Fulani should raise that ransom among yourselves and pay because we don’t have such money to pay.
“They started from N300 million and brought it down to N150 million. Fulani should contribute the ransom and get the woman, children and her sibling released,” he declared.
He warned that the killing of any additional captive could further escalate tensions within the community.
The latest incident has deepened anxiety across Igboho and surrounding communities, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns over kidnappings, killings and attacks linked to armed criminal groups.
Many residents are now awaiting the outcome of the ultimatum issued by Igboho amid fears that the already tense situation could deteriorate further if the remaining victims are not released.
The incident adds to growing concerns about rural insecurity in Oyo State and the wider South-West region, where community leaders and residents continue to demand stronger intervention from security agencies to curb the activities of kidnappers and other violent criminals.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.