Police deny inviting traditional ruler over Oyo schoolchildren abduction probe

The Oyo State Police Command has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media that a local traditional ruler was summoned for questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation into the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in the area. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, issued a statement on Wednesday dismissing the reports as "false, unfounded and misleading."

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The Command wishes to categorically state that this report is false, unfounded and misleading. At no time was the said traditional ruler invited for questioning in relation to the ongoing investigation.

Ayanlade clarified that High Chief Tajudeen Abioye, the Elesinele of Esinele, has not been invited by the police. The police spokesperson suggested that the publication of such reports is a calculated effort by criminal elements to spread misinformation, sow division, and undermine the security operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

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The Command views this publication as part of a deliberate campaign of misinformation and disinformation orchestrated by criminal elements aimed at creating division, generating unnecessary tension and undermining coordinated security efforts currently directed at securing the safe rescue of the abducted victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.

The Command urged the public to ignore the false report and refrain from sharing unverified information that could jeopardize the ongoing security efforts. It reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders and other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victims. Residents were encouraged to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information through appropriate channels, assuring the public that efforts are underway to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the abductions.

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Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the report in its entirety and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of jeopardising ongoing security operations.