Oyo Abduction: Onanuga Condemns Circulation of Fake Oyo Abduction Images, Links Misinformation to Terror Agenda

Oyo Abduction: Onanuga Condemns Circulation of Fake Oyo Abduction Images, Links Misinformation to Terror Agenda
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‎By Ruben Onoh
‎E-ISSN: 2354-4481
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‎The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised individuals circulating false images in connection with the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, warning that such actions could undermine ongoing rescue efforts and fuel public panic.
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‎Onanuga made the remarks in a Facebook post on Wednesday, following nationwide protests held on Tuesday over the continued captivity of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
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‎According to the presidential aide, the spread of misleading content on social media is complicating the security situation, as some of the images being presented as depicting the kidnapped children were actually taken in other African countries and bear no connection to the Oyo incident.
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‎He cited findings by Africa54Research, which reportedly established that several widely shared photographs originated from Mali and dated back to June 2020. The images allegedly showed schoolchildren who had been physically punished by a teacher and were unrelated to any kidnapping case.
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‎Onanuga expressed concern that the deliberate circulation of such images could be intended to create fear, erode public confidence in security agencies, and project a false narrative about the government's response to the crisis.
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‎“Some of the images being shared as those of the kidnapped schoolchildren in Oyo State were actually photographs of maltreated children in Mali,” he stated.
‎He further noted that the dissemination of fabricated or misleading visuals risks distracting attention from ongoing efforts by security agencies working to secure the safe release of the abducted students and their teachers.
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‎The presidential spokesman urged members of the public, media organisations, and social media users to verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of responsible communication during sensitive national security situations.
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‎The comments come amid heightened public concern over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity, with civil society groups, labour unions, and youth organisations continuing to demand stronger action from authorities to protect lives and ensure the swift rescue of the victims.