Police deny rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren, teachers

The Oyo State Police Command has firmly refuted circulating social media reports claiming the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities. The command described the claims as "unfounded, untrue, and false."

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It is unfounded, it is untrue, and it is false.

The false narrative gained traction through a now-deleted Facebook post attributed to Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs. The post falsely alleged that a joint security operation involving the military, police, and forest rangers had freed all 42 students and 7 teachers abducted on May 15. It further suggested the Nigeria Union of Teachers had called off its strike following this purported rescue.

However, Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade clarified that while "security operatives are working tirelessly, deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers," no such successful operation has occurred. He urged the public to disregard the report entirely.

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In a major victory for security forces and a huge relief for families across Nigeria, all 42 students and 7 teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 have been safely rescued in a daring joint operation early this morning.

The abduction of approximately 39 pupils and 7 teachers occurred on May 15 when armed individuals attacked schools in the Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about school safety across Oyo State. As of Wednesday, the victims had been in captivity for 19 days, with families and stakeholders anxiously awaiting their release.

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Security operatives are working tirelessly, deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, their unharmed reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of all those responsible for the heinous act.