Oyo Police Dismiss Report of Schoolchild’s Death in Captivity, Warn Against Misinformation
By Edison Ukachukwu
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The Oyo State Police Command has refuted reports alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted during a recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esienle, Oriire Local Government Area, died while in captivity.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described the report as false, malicious, and completely without factual foundation.
According to the Command, neither the police nor any of the security agencies involved in the ongoing rescue operation has confirmed the death of any of the abducted pupils. The police stressed that the publication was a fabrication designed to create panic, spread fear, and undermine ongoing security efforts.
“The Oyo State Police Command has observed with grave concern the circulation of a malicious and entirely unfounded report alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted during the recent incident at Ahoro-Esienle, Oriire Local Government Area, has died while in captivity,” the statement said.
The Command maintained that the report was misleading and intended to manipulate public sentiment through unverified claims and emotional narratives. It warned that such misinformation could heighten public anxiety and inadvertently advance the objectives of criminal elements seeking to destabilise communities through fear and uncertainty.
Police authorities further noted that security agencies remain fully committed to securing the safe release of the abducted victims. They assured residents that rescue operations are being conducted with professionalism, diligence, and operational discretion.
The statement emphasised that the spread of inaccurate information during sensitive security operations could jeopardise ongoing efforts, inflict additional trauma on affected families, and mislead members of the public.
Consequently, the Command cautioned bloggers, social media influencers, online publishers, and media organisations against disseminating unverified reports relating to security matters. It described the indiscriminate circulation of false information as irresponsible and capable of causing unnecessary public disorder.
The police also urged media practitioners and content creators to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication and avoiding actions that could contribute to misinformation or fearmongering.
DSP Olayinka appealed to members of the public to disregard the alleged report in its entirety and rely only on verified information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Oyo State Police Command assured residents that it would continue to provide timely and accurate updates on developments surrounding the incident as investigations and rescue operations progress.
