The Nigerian Police, Oyo State Command has stated that students, pupils and teachers abducted last Friday during terrorists attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have not been rescued.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka disclosed in a statement on Friday, made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm, support the ongoing efforts of the joint security team, and verify every piece of information before sharing it.
The statement read: “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the abducted students, pupils, and teachers in Orire Local Government Area are yet to be released, as intensive efforts by security agencies continue to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the criminal act.
“The Command hereby debunks the rumour currently circulating that the victims have been rescued.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, support the ongoing efforts of the joint security team, and verify every piece of information before sharing it.
“The spread of fake news and misinformation only creates unnecessary panic, heightens tension, and diverts limited security resources that are critically needed for the ongoing operations.
“The Command assures the good people of Oyo State that updates and verified facts will be communicated as developments unfold.
“Individuals seeking clarification or authentic information are advised to contact the Police Public Relations Officer or the Command’s control room through the numbers provided below.”
Meanwhile, Abayomi Fagbenro, the special adviser on security to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described as untrue viral social media posts claiming that victims abducted during last Friday’s attack on three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State had been released.
The attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso in Oriire Local Government Area led to the killing of no fewer than two persons and the abduction of about 30 teachers and students.
Reports claiming the release of the abducted teachers and students have gone viral since Wednesday night.
While some posts affirmed that the victims had been released, others described the reports as fake.
Some also expressed doubts about the claims, noting that no mainstream media organisation had reported the development.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
