Oyo Abduction: Police Debunk Pastor Arrest Claims, Caution Public on Misinformation

The Oyo State Police Command has issued a strong caution against the circulation of false reports, emphasizing that such misinformation could hinder ongoing operations to rescue the students and teachers recently abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area. The Command specifically refuted claims that a pastor had been apprehended for allegedly supplying weapons and ammunition to the kidnappers, labelling these reports as baseless and untrue.

In a statement released on Saturday, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayanlade Olayinka, who serves as the Police Public Relations Officer, highlighted a particular Facebook post. This post had alleged the arrest of a pastor acting as an arms dealer for the abductors but conspicuously failed to provide the cleric's identity or any verifiable specifics. The police unequivocally stated that neither their command nor any other security agency involved in the current rescue mission had made any such arrest.

According to the statement, "The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to false and misleading reports circulating across some media outlets, online publications and a Facebook post alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to individuals involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire. The Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading and unfounded." It further noted that the Facebook post, which omitted the pastor's name or address, also claimed the cleric was a gunrunner for the criminals. "However, the Command wishes to state that 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 statement affirmed.

The police expressed concern that such publications appeared to be a deliberate attempt to divert focus from the critical rescue efforts and to erode public trust in the capabilities and commitment of security forces. "The Command views this publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing rescue efforts and to cast doubt on the integrity, commitment and professionalism of personnel working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims," the statement added.

Members of the public were advised by the command to disregard these misleading reports and to only rely on information disseminated through its officially verified channels. The police also issued a stern warning to individuals and media platforms against spreading unverified information, stating that such actions could compromise security operations. "Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the false report and rely only on official updates issued through verified channels of the Oyo State Police Command. Furthermore, individuals and platforms involved in the deliberate spread of false information are warned to desist, as the Command will not hesitate to invoke all lawful means to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable of disseminating misinformation capable of undermining public confidence and ongoing security operations," the statement concluded.

Reiterating its unwavering commitment, the Oyo State Police Command affirmed its dedication to ensuring the safe return of the abducted students and teachers, while also upholding law and order throughout Oyo State.