The Oyo State Police Command has cautioned residents against the circulation of false and unverified information regarding the abduction of pupils and teachers in parts of Oriire Local Government Area.
This was as the Police insisted that reports claiming the victims had regained freedom were entirely false and misleading.
In a statement on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command debunked viral messages circulating across social media platforms alleging that the pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities had been released by their captors.
The police described the reports as misleading, unsubstantiated and capable of undermining ongoing rescue efforts.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the viral messages currently circulating across various social media platforms alleging that the pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota Communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released by their abductors,” the statement read.
According to the Command, there has been no such development as of the time of issuing the statement, urging members of the public to disregard the reports in their entirety.
The police reassured residents and families of the victims that intensive rescue operations remain ongoing, with security agencies deploying all available resources to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The Command stated that operatives are working round the clock to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed and reunited with their families while efforts are also being intensified to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the abduction.
While acknowledging public concern over the incident, the police warned against the dissemination of false information, unverified reports and sensational narratives, noting that such actions could create unnecessary panic, heighten anxiety among residents and negatively impact ongoing security operations.
The Command stressed that misinformation could also threaten public peace and order at a time when security agencies are focused on ensuring the safe return of the victims.
Residents were therefore urged to rely only on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.
The police further appealed to citizens to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security efforts, while refraining from sharing unverified content on social media and other communication platforms.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the victims and will continue to provide timely and accurate updates as developments unfold,” the statement added.
The latest advisory comes amid heightened concern following the abduction of pupils and teachers from the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has drawn widespread attention across Oyo State and beyond.
The police encouraged residents to report emergencies through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to support ongoing operations by avoiding the spread of unverified information.