The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed viral reports claiming that one of the schoolchildren abducted from Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area has died while in captivity.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the reports as false, misleading and lacking any factual basis.
According to the police, no security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation has confirmed the death of any abducted pupil, contrary to claims circulating on social media and some online platforms.
The command alleged that the report was deliberately fabricated to create panic, mislead the public and undermine ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
“The publication is a fabrication carefully crafted by individuals whose objective is to arouse unnecessary public sentiment, create panic, spread fear, and undermine ongoing security operations,” the statement said.
The police assured families of the abducted pupils and members of the public that security agencies remain actively engaged in efforts to rescue all victims and reunite them with their loved ones.
Authorities noted that the operation involves coordinated efforts among multiple security agencies and is being carried out with professionalism and confidentiality to avoid compromising ongoing rescue missions.
The Command urged residents to rely only on verified information from official sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports capable of causing fear or confusion.
It also warned bloggers, social media influencers, content creators and media organisations against publishing unverified security-related information, stressing that misinformation could negatively affect rescue operations and public safety.
According to the police, the indiscriminate spread of false reports has the potential to incite panic, create unnecessary tension and distract security personnel from ongoing efforts.
The latest clarification comes amid growing public concern over the fate of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, a case that has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for urgent action from government and security agencies.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to securing the release of all abductees and urged the public to remain calm while supporting ongoing security operations through responsible information sharing.
