The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that a pastor was arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to suspects involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area.
The Command described the reports, which have been circulating on some media platforms and social media, as false, misleading and without any factual basis.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command said no pastor had been arrested by the police or any other security agency participating in the ongoing rescue operation.
According to the statement, “The Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading, and unfounded.”
The police explained that the social media post alleged that an unnamed pastor was a gun runner for the abductors but failed to provide any identity or address of the individual.
The Command maintained that investigations into the Orire abduction are still ongoing and urged members of the public to disregard the report.
The statement further noted, “No such arrest has been made by the Police or any other known security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation, and investigation is ongoing.”
The police warned that the publication appeared to be an attempt to divert security personnel from ongoing rescue efforts and undermine public confidence in security agencies.
The Command advised residents to rely only on information released through its verified communication channels.
It also warned individuals and media platforms against spreading false information, stressing that anyone found responsible for disseminating misinformation capable of jeopardising security operations would face prosecution.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Command said it remains focused on ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted victims and maintaining security across Oyo State.
