The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that one of the pupils abducted during the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, died while in captivity, describing the claim as false and deliberately misleading.
The Command said the report, which has been circulating on some media and online platforms, was not backed by any credible information from security agencies involved in efforts to rescue the victims.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command expressed concern over what it described as a calculated attempt to spread panic and undermine ongoing rescue operations.
According to the police spokesperson, neither the Oyo State Police Command nor any of the security agencies handling the case had confirmed the death of any abducted child.
“The report is false, misleading, mischievous and without any factual basis whatsoever. At no time has the Oyo State Police Command, nor any recognised security agency involved in the ongoing rescue efforts, confirmed such a development,” Olayinka said.
He added that the publication appeared designed to provoke public anxiety and distort facts surrounding the incident.
“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,” he stated.
The Command further criticised the use of unverified information and emotional narratives in reporting sensitive security matters, warning that such actions could inadvertently aid criminal elements.
“It is particularly disturbing that the authors of the report deliberately employed emotional narratives, speculative claims and unverified accounts in a calculated attempt to manipulate public opinion and generate anxiety among residents,” the statement noted.
“Such conduct not only constitutes a disservice to responsible journalism but also advances the very objectives of criminal elements and terror merchants who thrive on fear, uncertainty and public distress.”
Olayinka assured residents that security agencies remain actively engaged in efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and staff, stressing that operations are being conducted professionally and with the necessary confidentiality.
He warned that the spread of false information at a sensitive stage of the rescue mission could complicate security efforts and inflict additional emotional hardship on affected families.
The police spokesperson also urged bloggers, social media influencers, content creators and media organisations to verify security-related information before publication.
“The indiscriminate sharing of false reports, particularly those capable of inciting fear or causing public disorder, is irresponsible and unacceptable,” he said.
“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 Command advised members of the public to disregard the report in its entirety and rely only on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.
It reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and pledged to keep residents informed of verified developments regarding the incident as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
