Oyo abduction: Police warn against fake reports

The Oyo State Police Command has issued a stern warning against the dissemination of misinformation that could hinder the ongoing efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area. The police specifically debunked reports claiming a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to the kidnappers, labeling these accounts as false, misleading, and unfounded.

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The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to false and misleading reports circulating across some media outlets, online publications and a Facebook post alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to individuals involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, addressed a Facebook post that alleged a pastor acted as a gunrunner for the abductors but failed to provide the cleric's name or any verifiable details. The command categorically stated that no such arrest has been made by the police or any other security agency involved in the rescue operation, which is still underway.

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The Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading and unfounded.

The police suggested that such publications are designed to divert attention from the rescue mission and undermine public confidence in security agencies. The statement emphasized that the Command views these reports as a deliberate attempt to distract operatives and cast doubt on their integrity and professionalism.

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However, the Command wishes to state that no such arrest has been made by the Police or any other known security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation, and investigation is ongoing.

The command urged the public to disregard the false report and to rely solely on information released through its verified communication channels. It also cautioned individuals and media platforms against spreading unverified information, warning that legal action would be taken against anyone found deliberately spreading falsehoods that could jeopardize security operations.

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The Command views this publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing rescue efforts and to cast doubt on the integrity, commitment and professionalism of personnel working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims.