Oyo police dismiss Oriire abductees relocation claim

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral social media claim alleging that abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State were transported to Kaduna State via helicopter.

The claim had circulated widely online, generating concern among residents and renewed attention on ongoing rescue efforts for the kidnapped victims.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described the report as misleading, unverified and entirely without factual basis. He said the content of the video lacked credibility and did not meet the standard required for sensitive security information.

The command insisted that the allegation that abducted pupils and teachers were flown to Kaduna was completely false and should be disregarded by the public.

The police further stated that intensive rescue operations are still ongoing in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies across the affected areas.

According to the command, efforts have been intensified to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims and the eventual arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.

The police also expressed concern over what it described as deliberate misinformation being circulated on social media, warning that such content could undermine public confidence and obstruct security operations.

It cautioned individuals and groups against spreading false or unverified reports on sensitive security matters, adding that offenders would be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law.