Police debunk release of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

The Oyo State Police Command has refuted reports circulating on social media claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area have been released by their abductors.

The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, made this known via a statement issued on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Ayanlade described the reports as false, misleading, and completely unverified, stressing that no such development had occurred.

Ayanlade urged Nigerians to disregard the viral messages, noting that efforts to secure the release of the victims remain ongoing.

The police spokesperson said: “As of the time of this release, there has been no such development, and members of the public are advised to disregard the report in its entirety.

“The Command wishes to reassure the good people of Oyo State and the families of the victims that intensive and coordinated rescue operations remain ongoing.

Kidnappings, killings and a nation in distress

“Security operatives are working tirelessly, deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, their unharmed reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of all those responsible for the heinous act.

“While appreciating the concern and interest of members of the public regarding the incident, the Command strongly cautions individuals and groups against the dissemination of false information, unverified reports, and sensational narratives capable of causing unnecessary panic, heightening public anxiety, undermining ongoing security operations, and threatening public peace and order.”

While appealing for calm, the Ayanlade urged the people of Oyo State to rely only on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.

The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the safe rescue of the victims and promised to provide timely updates as investigations and rescue efforts progress.