Police Provide Fresh Update On Release Of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed widespread reports circulating on social media alleging that pupils and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area have been released by their captors.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the reports are false, misleading, and lack any factual basis. The command urged members of the public to disregard the viral claims and rely only on verified information from official sources.

The police reiterated that no official confirmation has been made regarding the release of the victims, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15. The incident involved the abduction of more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, triggering widespread concern across the state and beyond.

Security authorities assured families of the victims and residents that efforts to secure the safe release of the abductees remain ongoing. The command stated that security operatives are fully committed to the rescue mission and are deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the victims are safely reunited with their families while those responsible for the abduction are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.

The police further warned individuals and groups against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, confusion, or undermining ongoing security operations. Residents were encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies while relying solely on updates issued through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorized government institutions.