The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that schoolchildren and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area were flown to Kaduna State by helicopter.
The command described the claim as false, misleading and capable of creating unnecessary panic among members of the public.
The clarification follows growing concern over the whereabouts of pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the viral video making the allegation had no factual basis.
According to the police, there is no credible intelligence or evidence to support the claim that the abducted victims were moved to Kaduna State through aerial means.
“The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and unfounded video currently circulating on social media, alleging that the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been moved to Kaduna State via a helicopter,” the statement read.
“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 claim lacks credibility, substance, and the requisite threshold of authenticity expected of information relating to such a sensitive security matter.”
The police assured families of the abducted victims that rescue operations are still ongoing, adding that security agencies have intensified efforts to ensure their safe return.
Ayanlade said the command was working closely with other security and intelligence agencies to track down those responsible for the abduction and secure the release of the victims.
“Members of the public are hereby informed that intensive rescue operations remain ongoing,” he said.
“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.”
The command expressed concern over what it described as the deliberate spread of misinformation at a time security operatives were working to resolve the crisis.
It warned that false reports could undermine public confidence, heighten fear among residents and obstruct ongoing rescue 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.
The police also warned individuals and groups against circulating unverified information on sensitive security matters, saying anyone found spreading malicious content would be identified and dealt with according to the law.
“The Oyo State Police Command therefore strongly warns against the dissemination of false, unverified, or malicious information, particularly on matters affecting public safety and national security,” the statement said.
“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 abduction of the pupils and teachers has continued to generate anxiety in the affected communities, with residents and families of the victims appealing for urgent action from government and security authorities.
The police urged residents to remain calm, rely only on official information and avoid spreading social media claims that have not been verified.
The command also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist ongoing security operations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, saying every available resource was being deployed to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.
