The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading widespread social media reports claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area of the state have regained their freedom.
The Command described the viral messages and accompanying videos circulating across several social media platforms as unsubstantiated, warning members of the public against spreading or relying on unverified information regarding the sensitive security situation.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command categorically denied reports suggesting that the victims had been released by their captors.
“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 Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released by their abductors,” the statement said.
“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 police assured residents and the families of the abducted victims that efforts to secure their safe rescue remain ongoing, stressing that security agencies are deploying all available operational and intelligence resources to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed and reunited with their loved ones.
The Command further stated that efforts were also focused on tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Meanwhile, many concerned Nigerians have condemned the circulation of the false reports, describing them as callous, insensitive and emotionally damaging to the families of the victims, who continue to endure uncertainty and anguish over the fate of their loved ones.
One of the widely circulated social media posts falsely claimed:
“The abducted school children in Oyo State have been released and reunited with their families. To God be the glory. Although the trauma and nightmare caused by these terrorists to these innocent children may remain in their minds for a long time, we thank God for answered prayers.”
A similar version of the message was shared extensively with hashtags designed to increase its visibility, creating false hope among relatives, friends and concerned members of the public before it was officially debunked by the police.
Critics of the misinformation argued that spreading unverified claims about an ongoing abduction case not only undermines rescue operations but also inflicts additional emotional distress on affected families desperately awaiting authentic updates.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that the dissemination of false information during active rescue efforts can complicate operational strategies, fuel public anxiety, and create unnecessary confusion.
While acknowledging the concern and prayers of Nigerians over the incident, the Oyo State Police Command urged citizens, bloggers, and social media users to exercise restraint and verify information before sharing it.
The Command cautioned individuals and groups against disseminating sensational narratives capable of heightening public anxiety, disrupting ongoing security operations, and threatening public peace and order.
It reiterated its commitment to keeping the public adequately informed through official communication channels and urged residents to rely solely on verified updates from security agencies concerning developments surrounding the abduction.
As security operatives intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims, the police appealed for continued public cooperation, vigilance, and support in the ongoing rescue mission.
