Oyo abduction: No schoolchild died in capitivity — Police

The Oyo State Police Command has strongly denied reports alleging the death of a schoolchild abducted during a recent terrorist attack on three schools in Ahoro-Esienle, Oriire Local Government Area. The command's spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, stated that the report is malicious, entirely unfounded, and the work of misinformation purveyors.

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The Oyo State Police Command has observed with grave concern the circulation of a malicious and entirely unfounded report alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted during the recent incident at Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, has died while in captivity.

In a released statement, the Command categorically labeled the report as false, misleading, and lacking any factual basis. It emphasized that neither the Oyo State Police Command nor any other involved security agency has confirmed such a development. The police assert that the publication is a fabrication designed to incite public sentiment, create panic, spread fear, and undermine ongoing security operations.

The statement expressed concern over the use of emotional narratives and speculative claims in the report, which they believe manipulates public opinion and generates anxiety. The command cautioned individuals, bloggers, social media influencers, and media platforms against publishing or amplifying unverified security-related information, noting that such actions can jeopardize rescue efforts and cause trauma to affected families.

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The Command categorically states that the report is false, misleading, mischievous, and without any factual basis whatsoever.

Authorities assure the public that concerted efforts by security agencies are ongoing with professionalism and confidentiality. They urge all media outlets to exercise professionalism, responsibility, and due diligence, refraining from becoming unwitting accomplices to criminal elements by disseminating false reports.

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The dissemination of false information at such a critical time has the potential to jeopardise ongoing efforts, cause unnecessary trauma to affected families, and mislead the general public.