The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on some media platforms, online publications and social media claiming that a pastor was arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to those involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire.

The command described the claim as entirely false, misleading and without any factual basis.

The viral Facebook post, which did not identify the pastor by name or address, also alleged that the cleric served as an arms supplier to the kidnappers.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said no such arrest had been made by the police or any other security agency participating in the ongoing rescue operation.

He added that investigations into the kidnapping were still ongoing and urged members of the public to disregard the false reports and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or undermining security operations.

He said, “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.

“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 Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted victims and maintaining public safety across the State.”

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on some media platforms, online publications and social media claiming that a pastor was arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to those involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire.

The command described the claim as entirely false, misleading and without any factual basis.

The viral Facebook post, which did not identify the pastor by name or address, also alleged that the cleric served as an arms supplier to the kidnappers.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said no such arrest had been made by the police or any other security agency participating in the ongoing rescue operation.

He added that investigations into the kidnapping were still ongoing and urged members of the public to disregard the false reports and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or undermining security operations.

He said, “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.

“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 Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted victims and maintaining public safety across the State.”