The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports claiming that one of the pupils abducted during the recent attack at Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area has died in captivity, describing the story as false and intended to cause panic among residents.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said the publication circulating on various platforms was baseless and had not been confirmed by the police or any security agency involved in efforts to rescue the victims.
The command stated that the report was designed to stir emotions, spread fear and weaken ongoing security operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted children.
“The Command categorically states that the report is false, misleading, mischievous, and without any factual basis whatsoever. At no time has the Oyo State Police Command, nor any other recognized security agency involved in the ongoing rescue efforts, confirmed such a development,” the statement read.
Police authorities expressed concern over what they described as the deliberate use of emotional narratives, speculation and unverified claims to influence public opinion and heighten anxiety within affected communities.
“The publication is a fabrication carefully crafted by individuals whose objective is to arouse unnecessary public sentiment, create panic, spread fear, and undermine ongoing security operations,” the command added.
The police assured residents that security agencies remain actively engaged in efforts to resolve the situation, noting that operations are being handled carefully while protecting sensitive information connected to the rescue mission.
The statement warned that the spread of inaccurate information could disrupt ongoing operations, inflict further distress on affected families and mislead members of the public.
The command also cautioned bloggers, social media influencers, online content creators and media organisations against sharing unverified security-related reports, stressing that such actions could contribute to public disorder.
“The Command therefore appeals to all media houses, bloggers, and online content creators to exercise professionalism, responsibility, and due diligence in the discharge of their duties. They must refrain from becoming unwitting accomplices to those whose stock-in-trade is misinformation, fearmongering, and the deliberate distortion of facts for ulterior motives,” the statement said.
Residents were urged to disregard the report and rely only on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and authorised government agencies.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property, promising to keep the public informed of verified developments as rescue efforts continue.