The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area of the state have regained their freedom.
The Command described the reports as false, misleading, and unsubstantiated, stressing that the victims remain in captivity as efforts to secure their release continue.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command urged members of the public to disregard the viral claims, noting that there has been no such development as of the time of the statement.
Olayinka reassured the residents of Oyo State and the families of the victims that intensive and coordinated rescue operations remain ongoing.
“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,” he said.
Olayinka appreciated the concern and interest of members of the public regarding the incident while warning individuals and groups against the dissemination of false information, unverified reports, and sensational narratives capable of causing unnecessary panic, heightening public anxiety, undermining ongoing security operations, and threatening public peace and order.
The Command urged residents to rely solely on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.
It also encouraged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing security efforts while refraining from sharing unverified information on social media and other communication platforms.
The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims, adding that it would continue to provide timely and accurate updates as developments unfold.
nbqi5e