KEY POINTS

• Oyo Police have described as false a viral claim that abducted schoolchildren and teachers were flown to Kaduna by helicopter.
• Security agencies said rescue operations are ongoing and have been intensified to secure the victims’ release.
• The command warned against spreading unverified information, saying it could cause panic and hinder rescue efforts.

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media report claiming that schoolchildren and teachers abducted from communities in Orire Local Government Area of the state were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter.

The command described the report as false, misleading, and lacking any factual basis, urging members of the public to disregard the claim and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing confusion and panic.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, following the circulation of a video on social media alleging that the abducted victims had been relocated outside Oyo State.

According to the police, the video alleged that schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area had been moved to Kaduna State through an airlift operation.

However, the command said investigations showed that the claim had no credible evidence to support it.

“The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and unfounded video currently circulating on social media,” the statement said.

The police stressed that information concerning the safety and whereabouts of abducted victims is highly sensitive and should only come from verified and official sources.

The command added that the viral claim failed to meet the standard of authenticity required for such a serious security matter.

According to the police, the video alleged that schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area had been moved to Kaduna State through an airlift operation.

However, the command said investigations showed that the claim had no credible evidence to support it.

“The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and unfounded video currently circulating on social media,” the statement said.

The police stressed that information concerning the safety and whereabouts of abducted victims is highly sensitive and should only come from verified and official sources.

The command added that the viral claim failed to meet the standard of authenticity required for such a serious security matter.

Rescue Operations Intensified

Contrary to the impression created by the viral video, the police said efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers remain active and ongoing.

The command disclosed that it is working closely with other security and intelligence agencies to ensure the safe recovery of all victims and the arrest of those responsible for the abduction.

According to the police, security operatives have intensified operations aimed at locating the victims and securing their release without harm.

The command noted that the primary objective remains the safe reunification of the abducted children and teachers with their families while ensuring that the perpetrators face prosecution.

Contrary to the impression created by the viral video, the police said efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers remain active and ongoing.

The command disclosed that it is working closely with other security and intelligence agencies to ensure the safe recovery of all victims and the arrest of those responsible for the abduction.

According to the police, security operatives have intensified operations aimed at locating the victims and securing their release without harm.

The command noted that the primary objective remains the safe reunification of the abducted children and teachers with their families while ensuring that the perpetrators face prosecution.

The police highlighted the collaborative efforts being undertaken by multiple security and intelligence agencies to address the situation.

Authorities said the coordinated operation involves intelligence gathering, surveillance, and other security measures designed to improve the chances of a successful rescue mission.

The command assured residents that security agencies remain committed to bringing the incident to a positive conclusion and urged the public to support ongoing efforts by providing useful information through official channels.

The Oyo State Police Command expressed concern over what it described as a deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation by some individuals.

According to the police, the circulation of false reports regarding the abducted victims could undermine public confidence in security operations and complicate ongoing rescue efforts.

The command warned that inaccurate information can create unnecessary fear among residents and intensify the anxiety already being experienced by the families of the abducted victims.

It also noted that the spread of unverified claims could obstruct security operations by diverting attention from legitimate rescue efforts.