The Oyo State Police Command has denied viral reports circulating on social media claiming that the abducted pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area have been released.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the Command described the claim as false, misleading, and completely unsubstantiated.
It urged members of the public to disregard the rumour and avoid spreading unverified information, stressing the need to rely only on official communication from the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.
The clarification comes amid ongoing concern over the abduction of over 40 pupils and their teachers during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
Reassuring the public, the Command said rescue operations are still actively ongoing.
“The Oyo Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the viral messages currently circulating across various social media platforms alleging that the pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota Communities in Orire Local Government Area of the state have been released by their abductors.
The Command states unequivocally that the claim is false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated. As of the time of this release, there has been no such development,” the statement read.
The police further assured that security operatives are working tirelessly to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
It also warned against the spread of fake news, noting that such reports could cause panic and interfere with ongoing security efforts.
Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of the authorities while awaiting verified updates from official sources.
