The Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, has refuted claims circulating online that the institution was under siege, describing a viral image depicting militants at its gate as an AI-generated fabrication.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Deputy Registrar for Public and Alumni Relations, Opeyemi Olawore, said the picture was “false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary fear among students, parents, and residents of the host community.”
According to him, “The public should disregard the false and cruel post being circulated by mischief makers. The college is not under any form of attack, nor is the campus under siege. Academic and administrative activities are ongoing without disruption.”
Olawore revealed that the institution recently held its maiden matriculation ceremony for its degree programmes on Friday, an event attended by parents, students, and guests from within and outside Oyo State—further proof that the campus remains peaceful.
“We are appealing to members of the public to desist from sharing AI-generated images that misrepresent the situation on our campus. Anyone found circulating such misleading content will face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.
The reassurance comes amid rising concerns over school safety following recent abductions across several states. In Kwara, dozens of worshippers kidnapped earlier in the month were freed after days in captivity. In Kebbi, abducted pupils were also released following negotiations. These incidents have prompted several Northern states to tighten security and, in some cases, temporarily shut vulnerable schools.
With fear and anxiety heightened nationwide, institutions such as OYSCATECH say combating misinformation has become crucial to maintaining calm and preventing panic among community members.
The management emphasised its commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff, urging the public to rely on verified information rather than sensational online posts.
