Police deny arresting pastor over Oyo school abduction

The Oyo State Police Command has vehemently denied circulating reports alleging the arrest of a pastor involved in supplying arms for the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.

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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 that has also surfaced on some other platform, 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, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka characterized the reports, which appeared on some media platforms and social media, as "false, misleading, and unfounded." The police clarified that while a Facebook post alleged a pastor acted as a gunrunner for the abductors, it failed to name or identify the cleric. The command emphasized that no such arrest has been made by the police or any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation.

"The Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading, and unfounded," the statement read. "The Facebook post, which did not mention the name or address of the pastor, further claimed that the cleric was a gun runner for the bandits. 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."

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

The police command views such publications 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." They urged the public to disregard the false report and rely solely on official updates disseminated through verified police communication channels.

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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.

Furthermore, the police issued a stern warning to individuals and platforms spreading false information. They stated that anyone found culpable of disseminating misinformation that could undermine public confidence or security operations would face investigation and prosecution. The command reiterated its commitment to the safe return of the abducted victims and the maintenance of public security.

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Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the false report and rely only on official updates issued through verified channels of the Oyo State Police Command.