The Oyo State Police Command has issued a stern warning to the public, threatening to arrest and prosecute anyone found disseminating false information regarding the abduction of school children and teachers in the Oriire Local Government area. This directive comes in response to a flurry of misinformation circulating on social media, which the Command argues is intended to incite unnecessary panic, erode public trust, and sabotage the delicate efforts of security operatives currently working on the rescue mission.
At the center of this controversy is a viral video alleging that the abducted victims have been transported via helicopter to Kaduna State. The Police Command has categorically dismissed these claims as entirely unfounded, unverified, and lacking any credible evidence. Officials emphasized that such reports do not meet the standards of authenticity required for sensitive security matters and have urged the public to treat the information as a malicious fabrication.
The viral claim gained significant traction following remarks made by Omoyele Sowore, the 2027 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC). Speaking from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Sowore alleged that the victims were no longer within the borders of Oyo State and expressed profound concern regarding their safety. However, the Police noted that these assertions were made without providing any corroborating evidence, thereby unnecessarily complicating the public’s understanding of the ongoing crisis.
In his commentary, Sowore highlighted the understandable anxiety among the victims’ families, arguing that the prolonged nature of the captivity demands a more urgent and transparent response from the government. He emphasized that the uncertainty surrounding the children’s whereabouts has placed a heavy emotional burden on their supporters, who continue to clamor for decisive action to ensure the safe recovery of those abducted.
Responding to these public sentiments, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Police Public Relations Officer, reassured residents that intensive, multi-agency rescue operations are active and ongoing. The Command stated that it is collaborating with various intelligence agencies to track the perpetrators, secure the victims, and ensure that those responsible for the crime are brought to justice. Officials reiterated that all available resources are currently being deployed to resolve the situation as swiftly and safely as possible.
In conclusion, the Oyo State Police Command has called on citizens to remain calm and vigilant, urging them to rely solely on official communication channels for updates. The Command made it clear that any individual or group found spreading malicious or unverified narratives that undermine the professionalism of security forces will face the full weight of the law. Residents are encouraged to continue supporting the security services as the mission to reunite the abducted students and teachers with their families continues.