The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports circulating online claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area have regained their freedom.

The command described the reports as false and misleading, urging residents to disregard the viral claims and rely only on official updates.

Police dismiss viral claims

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said there was no truth in reports suggesting that the victims had been released by their abductors.

“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.”

Rescue efforts ongoing

More than 40 pupils and teachers were abducted during coordinated 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 triggered widespread concern across the state and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities.

According to the police, security agencies remain committed to securing the release of all victims and bringing those responsible to justice.

“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.

Warning against misinformation

The command cautioned individuals and groups against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic and disrupting ongoing rescue operations.

Residents were advised to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security efforts while relying only on information released by the Nigeria Police Force and authorised government agencies.

The police also urged members of the public to avoid sharing unconfirmed reports on social media as efforts continue to secure the safe return of the abducted victims.