The Oyo State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area have regained their freedom.
The Police Command described the reports as false, misleading and unsubstantiated.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the command urged members of the public to disregard the viral message.
“Oyo 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 the state have been released by their abductors,” the statement read.
“The Command states unequivocally that the claim is false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated.”
More than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
The incident sparked widespread concern and calls for intensified rescue efforts.
The police assured residents and families of the victims that security agencies were continuing efforts to secure the release of the abductees.
According to the command, security operatives are deploying all available resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible.
“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,” the statement added.
The command cautioned individuals and groups against spreading unverified reports capable of causing panic and undermining ongoing security operations.
It urged residents to rely only on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and authorised government agencies.
The police also appealed to citizens to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of ongoing efforts while refraining from sharing unverified information on social media.
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