Oyo School Abduction: Police Debunk Reports of Child’s Death in Captivity, Warn Against Fake News

Oyo School Abduction: Police Debunk Reports of Child’s Death in Captivity, Warn Against Fake News

Ibadan, Oyo State — The Oyo State Police Command has strongly refuted reports claiming that one of the schoolchildren abducted during the recent terrorist attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area died while in captivity, describing the allegation as false, malicious, and deliberately designed to spread fear among residents.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said there was no truth whatsoever in the report circulating on some media and social media platforms, insisting that security agencies involved in the ongoing rescue operation have not recorded or confirmed any such incident.

The police described the publication as a dangerous fabrication orchestrated by individuals seeking to create panic, undermine ongoing rescue efforts, and manipulate public emotions at a critical stage of the operation.

According to the statement, the Command has observed with grave concern the widespread circulation of the report alleging that one of the pupils abducted during the attack on three schools in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, had died in the custody of the abductors.

"The Oyo State Police Command categorically states that the report is false, misleading, mischievous, and entirely without factual basis," the statement read.

"At no point has the Command, nor any other recognised security agency participating in the rescue efforts, confirmed such a development. The publication is a calculated fabrication intended to arouse unnecessary public sentiment, spread fear, and distract security agencies from ongoing operations."

The Command expressed concern over what it described as the deliberate use of emotional narratives, speculative accounts, and unverified claims by those behind the report. Police authorities noted that such misinformation not only violates the principles of responsible journalism but also indirectly advances the objectives of terrorists and criminal groups whose activities thrive on fear, confusion, and public anxiety.

"It is particularly disturbing that the authors of the report employed emotional narratives and unverified claims in a calculated attempt to manipulate public opinion and generate anxiety among residents," the Command stated.

"Such actions constitute a serious disservice to the public and risk undermining the confidence of affected families and communities in the ongoing security response."

The police reassured residents that security agencies remain fully committed to rescuing all abducted victims and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice. According to the statement, coordinated operations involving multiple security agencies are continuing with professionalism, diligence, and strategic confidentiality to ensure the safe recovery of the victims.

The Command stressed that releasing false information during sensitive rescue operations could jeopardise ongoing efforts, create unnecessary trauma for families of the abducted children, and mislead members of the public. Security officials urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information that could assist in the rescue mission.

The Oyo State Police Command also issued a stern warning to bloggers, social media influencers, online content creators, and media organisations against publishing or amplifying unverified security-related information. The Command emphasised that the indiscriminate dissemination of false reports capable of causing public disorder or inciting panic is irresponsible and unacceptable.

Police authorities called on journalists and media practitioners to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication, especially on matters concerning national security and public safety.

"They must refrain from becoming unwitting accomplices to individuals whose stock-in-trade is misinformation, fearmongering, and the deliberate distortion of facts for ulterior motives," the statement added.

DSP Olayinka urged members of the public to disregard the report entirely and rely solely on verified information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Oyo State and promised to keep residents informed of any verified developments regarding the abduction case.

The latest clarification comes amid growing public concern over the fate of the abducted schoolchildren following the terrorist attack that shocked communities in Oriire Local Government Area and prompted intensified security operations across affected areas.

As rescue efforts continue, the police have appealed for patience, cooperation, and responsible information sharing, assuring families and residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe return of the victims.