The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media video alleging that abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the police described the claim as false, misleading, and lacking any factual basis.
He said the content circulating online was “entirely false, unverified and misleading,” warning that it had no credibility or supporting evidence.
According to the statement, security operations for the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers are still ongoing in collaboration with other security agencies.
“The Command is fully committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible,” the statement noted, adding that efforts had been intensified to reunite the victims with their families.
The police also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, saying such content could create panic and interfere with rescue operations.
It warned members of the public against sharing unverified reports, especially on sensitive security issues, stressing that anyone found spreading false information would be held accountable under the law.
Residents were urged to remain calm and rely only on official communication channels for updates on the incident, while assuring that all necessary resources are being deployed to secure the victims’ release.
