Oyo kidnapping: Authorities caution against spreading false information

The Oyo State Police Command has issued a stern warning against spreading false information that could hinder the ongoing rescue efforts for the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, specifically dismissing claims that a pastor was arrested for allegedly providing arms to the kidnappers.

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The command has deemed these reports, which are circulating on various online platforms and social media, as completely false, misleading, and without foundation.

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In a statement released on Saturday, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayanlade Olayinka, the Police Public Relations Officer, addressed a Facebook post that alleged a pastor was arrested for acting as a gunrunner for the kidnappers, but failed to provide the cleric's name or any verifiable details.

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The police have confirmed that no such arrest has been made by the command or any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation.

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Ayanlade Olayinka stated that the command's attention was drawn to false reports circulating across various media outlets, online publications, and a Facebook post claiming a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to those involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire.

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The command has categorically stated that this claim is entirely false, misleading, and unfounded, and the Facebook post in question did not mention the name or address of the pastor, further claiming the cleric was a gunrunner for the bandits.

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The command has clarified that no such arrest has been made and that the investigation is ongoing, with the publication appearing to be designed to divert attention from the ongoing rescue efforts and undermine public confidence in security agencies.

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The command views this publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from the ongoing rescue efforts and to cast doubt on the integrity, commitment, and professionalism of personnel working to ensure the safe return of the victims.

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The command has urged the public to disregard the report and rely only on information released through its verified communication channels, also warning individuals and media platforms against spreading unverified information capable of jeopardising security operations.

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Members of the public have been advised to disregard the false report and rely only on official updates issued through verified channels of the Oyo State Police Command.

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Furthermore, individuals and platforms involved in the deliberate spread of false information have been warned to desist, as the command will not hesitate to invoke all lawful means to identify, investigate, arrest, and prosecute anyone found culpable of disseminating misinformation capable of undermining public confidence and ongoing security operations.

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The police have reaffirmed their commitment to securing the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers while maintaining law and order across Oyo State.

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The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted victims and maintaining public safety across the state.