The Oyo State Police Command has debunked reports claiming that a pastor was arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to suspects involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the allegation as false, misleading, and unfounded.
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 27, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said reports circulating on some media platforms and social media falsely claimed that a pastor had been arrested for acting as a gunrunner for the kidnappers.
According to the command, the Facebook post at the centre of the allegation neither identified the purported pastor nor provided any address, adding that no such arrest had been made by the police or any other security agency participating in the ongoing rescue operation.
“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 that has also surfaced on some other platforms, 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. The Facebook post, which did not mention the name or address of the pastor, further claimed that the cleric was a gunrunner for the bandits. 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, while investigations remain ongoing,” the statement read.
The police described the publication as a deliberate attempt to divert security operatives from their ongoing rescue efforts and to undermine public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
“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.
The command urged residents to disregard the report and rely only on official updates issued 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 undermining public confidence or disrupting security operations would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“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 police said.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining public safety, the command assured residents that efforts to secure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers remain ongoing.
