LThe Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that pupils and teachers kidnapped from communities in Orire Local Government Area have regained their freedom.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, described the widely shared report as inaccurate and lacking any factual basis.
The command urged residents of the state and the general public to disregard the information and rely only on updates released through official police channels and other authorised government sources.
The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on three schools—Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School—in Orire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. More than 40 pupils and their teachers were reportedly taken by the attackers.
The statement said, “Oyo 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 the 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.
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“The Command wishes to reassure the good people of Oyo and the families of the victims that intensive and coordinated rescue operations remain ongoing. Security operatives are working tirelessly, deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, their unharmed reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of all those responsible for the heinous act.
While appreciating the concern and interest of members of the public regarding the incident, the Command strongly cautions individuals and groups against the dissemination of false information, unverified reports, and sensational narratives capable of causing unnecessary panic, heightening public anxiety, undermining ongoing security operations, and threatening public peace and order.
“The Command, therefore, urges residents to rely solely on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies. Citizens are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing security efforts while refraining from sharing unverified information on social media and other communication platforms.”
The police further assured residents that efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers remain a top priority. The command added that it would continue to provide verified updates on the situation as rescue operations progress.