Abducted Oyo school children, teachers not released yet, Police debunks reports
By KEMI KASUMU
“If not rumours, it would be a former governor in a Yoruba state making yet to be substantiated allegations against the state governor for orchestrating the kidnap while another tribal fighter claimed he knows the kidnappers sponsors and are not being brought closer to provide evidence and name the names, respectively,” one of them who refused to be identified wondered.
The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro, Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state have been rescued.
The Command, which declared the reports as false, said there was no truth in them, describing same as misleading and capable of undermining ongoing rescue efforts.
In a statement issued on Thursday June 5, 2026, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security agencies had not recorded any such development and urged residents to disregard the viral messages.
“The Oyo State 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 Oyo State have been released by their abductors.
“The Command states unequivocally that the claim is false, misleading and entirely unsubstantiated. As of the time of this release, there has been no such development, and members of the public are advised to disregard the report in its entirety,” the statement read.
The development was coming amidst surprise that all some Yoruba people of South West can contribute to effort to ensure peace and security in their region is to either trivialise and spread rumours to confuse and undermine official efforts.
“If not rumours, it would be a former governor in a Yoruba state making yet to be substantiated allegations against the state governor for orchestrating the kidnap while another tribal fighter claimed he knows the kidnappers sponsors and are not being brought closer to provide evidence and name the names, respectively,” an unidentified source wondered.
The police assured families of the victims and residents of the state that intensive rescue operations were still underway, with security operatives deploying available resources to secure the safe return of the abductees.
According to the Command, efforts are also being intensified to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
Ayanlade said security agencies remained committed to ensuring that the victims were reunited with their families unharmed.
He, however, warned against the circulation of false information and unverified reports capable of creating panic and heightening public anxiety.
The police spokesman noted that the spread of misinformation could also undermine ongoing security operations and threaten public peace and order.
While appreciating public concern over the incident, the Command urged residents to rely only on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.
It also appealed to citizens to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of ongoing security efforts, while refraining from sharing unverified information on social media and other communication platforms.
The Command reiterated its commitment to providing timely and accurate updates on developments surrounding the rescue efforts.
The abducted pupils and teachers were reportedly taken away by armed men during attacks on communities in the Oriire Local Government Area, a development that has triggered widespread concern and renewed calls for enhanced security across the state.
