Police Debunk False Report Of Alleged Pastor’s Arrest Linked To Kidnap Of Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

The Oyo State Police Command has denied viral reports on social media that a nameless pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to individuals involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Ori-ire local government area of the State, saying claim was entirely false, misleading, and unfounded.

The Command said the publication was 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 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 platform, alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to individuals involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Orire.

“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 gun runner 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, and investigation is ongoing.

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,” it stated.

It, therefore, advised members of the public 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,” it added.