Oyo police deny rumors of helicopter relocation, intensify search for abducted students and teachers

The Oyo State Police Command has rejected reports circulating online that kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers from communities in Orire Local Government Area were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter, describing the claims as false and not supported by credible evidence.

The command said viral videos on social media spreading the allegations were misleading and could create confusion at a time when security agencies are working to secure the release of the victims.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said authorities had investigated the claims and found them to be completely baseless.

“The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and unsubstantiated video circulating on social media, alleging that abducted school children and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area of ​​Oyo State have been transferred to Kaduna State via helicopter.

“The command wishes to state unequivocally that the contents of the video are completely false, unverified, misleading and lack any factual basis. Such claims lack the credibility, substance and threshold of authenticity expected of information relating to such sensitive security issues.

“Members of the public are hereby informed that intensive rescue operations are still ongoing. The Oyo State Police Command, in close collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has significantly intensified efforts aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of all abductees, their immediate reunification with their families, and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the unfortunate incident.

“The Command is deeply concerned about the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation by certain individuals who seek to undermine public confidence in the ongoing rescue efforts and the sacrifices made every day by security personnel who work tirelessly to ensure the release of the victims. Such actions are not only irresponsible but can also create unnecessary panic, mislead the public and hinder security operations.

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“Therefore, the Oyo State Police Command strongly cautions against the spread of false, unverified or malicious information, especially regarding matters affecting public safety and national security. Individuals or groups found to have originated, promoted or disseminated misleading content intended to impugn the integrity, professionalism and commitment of security agencies will be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law.”

A police spokesman stressed that rescue efforts remained active, with security officials working with intelligence agencies to locate the victims, ensure their safe return and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.

According to the command, the dissemination of unverified reports could undermine ongoing operations, erode public trust and create unnecessary anxiety among citizens and victims’ families.

Police also appealed to the public to be careful when sharing information on social media and to only rely on official statements and verified sources for the latest information regarding the situation.

To reassure citizens of the country’s commitment to resolving the crisis, the command said that security agencies are mobilizing all available resources to ensure the freedom of the victims.

“The Oyo State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protect lives and property and assures the public that every available resource is being mobilized to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers,” the statement added.