The ultimatum was issued on Saturday during a meeting held at the palace of the traditional ruler of Igboho, attended by community chiefs, Fulani elders and officers from the divisional police command.
Addressing those present in Yoruba, Igboho blamed suspected Fulani herders for a string of kidnappings in the area, alleging that the activities of the criminal elements had continued unchecked despite repeated complaints by residents.
He cited the killing of a pregnant woman and the latest abduction involving a woman, her children and a sibling as evidence of worsening insecurity in the community.
According to him, the kidnappers initially requested N300m from the victims’ relatives before reducing the ransom demand to N150m.
The activist, however, rejected the payment of any ransom and insisted that the abducted persons must be freed within two hours.
“I am giving them two hours. They must return the woman, her children and sibling whom they kidnapped overnight. If I don’t see them within those two hours, we will clash,” he declared.
Igboho further warned that he and his supporters would move against a forest reserve he claimed was being used as a hideout by the kidnappers if the captives were not released.
“That forest reserve where they camp, we are coming there. We will invade that forest. Since they have said they won’t live with us in peace, we too will fight with everything we have,” he said.
He appealed to Fulani leaders in the town to prevail on those behind the abductions, maintaining that the perpetrators were known within the community.
Igboho also said he had previously exercised restraint out of respect for community leaders but noted that the recent incidents had become intolerable.
Residents were seen gathered outside the palace during the meeting as anxiety over the rising wave of kidnappings persisted.
The latest development comes as concerns continue to mount over insecurity in Oyo State, with 39 pupils and seven teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area still being held captive.
