Oyo Police Debunk Reports of Abducted Schoolchild’s Death, Describe Claims as False

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media and other platforms claiming that one of the pupils abducted from Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area has died while in captivity.

In a statement issued on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described the reports as false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.

According to the command, neither the Oyo State Police Command nor any of the security agencies involved in the ongoing rescue efforts has received or confirmed any information suggesting that any of the abducted victims has died.

The police alleged that the report was deliberately fabricated to create panic, spread fear among residents, and undermine ongoing security operations aimed at securing the release of the abductees.

“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 read.

The command reassured the families of the abducted pupils and teachers, as well as members of the public, that security agencies remain actively engaged in coordinated rescue operations. It noted that the efforts are being carried out professionally and with a high level of confidentiality to ensure the safe recovery of all victims.

Police authorities emphasized that joint security teams continue to work tirelessly toward achieving a successful outcome and urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

The command also issued a strong warning to bloggers, social media influencers, content creators, and media organizations against publishing or amplifying unconfirmed security-related reports.

According to the police, the dissemination of false information during sensitive security operations can create unnecessary fear, disrupt public order, and potentially hinder ongoing rescue efforts.

The command called on members of the public to rely only on official statements from recognized security agencies for updates regarding the abduction case and other security matters.

The abducted pupils and teachers were taken from schools in Oriire Local Government Area in May, and efforts by security agencies to secure their release remain ongoing.