By Adeola Badru
Oyo State Police Command has debunked a social media claim alleging that schoolchildren and teachers abducted from communities in Orire Local Government Area of the state were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter, describing the report as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Command had become aware of a video circulating on social media claiming that the abducted victims from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities had been moved out of Oyo State.
The police, however, said the information contained in the video was entirely unverified and lacked any factual basis.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the content of the said video is entirely false, unverified, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement said.
According to the police, the claim “lacks credibility, substance, and the requisite threshold of authenticity expected of information relating to such a sensitive security matter”.
The Command assured residents that efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers were ongoing, noting that security agencies had intensified operations aimed at securing their safe release.
“Intensive rescue operations remain ongoing. The Oyo State Police Command, in close collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has significantly intensified efforts aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of all abducted victims, their prompt reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the unfortunate incident,” Olayinka said.
The police expressed concern over what it described as deliberate attempts by some individuals to spread misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in security operations.
“The Command is deeply concerned about the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation by certain individuals seeking to undermine public confidence in the ongoing rescue efforts and the sacrifices being made daily by security personnel working tirelessly to secure the release of the victims,” the statement added.
It warned that the dissemination of false or malicious information on matters relating to public safety and national security could hamper ongoing operations and create unnecessary panic among residents.
“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also capable of creating unnecessary panic, misleading the public, and obstructing security operations,” the police said.
The Command further cautioned individuals and groups against originating or circulating misleading content intended to cast doubt on the integrity and professionalism of security agencies.
“Individuals or groups found to be originating, promoting, or circulating misleading content intended to cast doubt on the integrity, professionalism, and commitment of security institutions will be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement warned.
The police urged residents of the State and the wider public to remain calm and support ongoing security efforts by relying solely on information released through official and verified channels.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the Command said all available resources were being deployed to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.
“The Oyo State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and assures the public that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers,” the statement said.
