The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed widespread social media reports claiming that students, pupils and teachers abducted during last Friday’s attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state had been rescued.
The command clarified that all victims remain in captivity as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The clarification followed viral posts circulating on social media since Wednesday night, with some claiming that the kidnapped victims had regained freedom, while others questioned the authenticity of the reports due to the absence of confirmation from credible media organisations.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, Abayomi Fagbenro, described the reports as false.
“As of 10:35 am, it’s not true,” Fagbenro stated while responding to inquiries on Thursday morning.
Similarly, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, had earlier told journalists that the command was unaware of any release of the abducted teachers and students.
In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, Ayanlade reiterated that the victims had not been rescued and urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the abducted students, pupils, and teachers in Orire Local Government Area are yet to be released, as intensive efforts by security agencies continue to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the criminal act,” the statement read.
“The Command hereby debunks the rumour currently circulating that the victims have been rescued.”
The police warned that fake news and misinformation could heighten tension and distract security personnel from ongoing rescue operations.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, support the ongoing efforts of the joint security team, and verify every piece of information before sharing it.
“The spread of fake news and misinformation only creates unnecessary panic, heightens tension, and diverts limited security resources that are critically needed for the ongoing operations,” the statement added.
Gunmen had invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and LEA Primary School, Esiele, all located within the Ahoro-Esinle/Yawota axis of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso.
The attack reportedly left at least two persons dead, while dozens of pupils, students and teachers were abducted.
Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that seven students were kidnapped from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were abducted from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School. He also confirmed that one person was killed during the incident.
Following the attack, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, ordered the deployment of additional detectives from the Force Headquarters in Abuja to work with the joint security team handling the rescue mission.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also called for a “careful, clinical and timely” rescue operation to free the abducted students and teachers.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters stated earlier this week that troops had established contact with the abductors and were working toward the safe rescue of the victims.
The police assured residents of Oyo State that verified updates would be communicated as developments unfold.
