As security agencies intensify efforts to rescue schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State, the police have moved to quell growing fears by debunking reports that one of the victims died in captivity, warning that misinformation could jeopardise ongoing operations.
The Oyo State Police Command has strongly denied reports alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted during an attack on three schools in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, died while in captivity, describing the claim as false, malicious and capable of undermining ongoing rescue efforts.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command’s spokesperson, said neither the police nor any of the security agencies involved in the rescue operation had confirmed the death of any of the abducted pupils. He urged the public to disregard the report and rely only on official updates as efforts continue to secure the safe release of the victims.
According to the police, the publication was designed to create panic and confusion by relying on speculative claims, emotional narratives and unverified information.
“The Oyo State Police Command has observed with grave concern the circulation of a malicious and entirely unfounded report alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted during the recent incident at Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, died while in captivity,” the statement said.
“It is particularly disturbing that the authors of the report deliberately employed emotional narratives, speculative claims and unverified accounts in a calculated attempt to manipulate public opinion and generate anxiety among residents.”
The Command stressed that at no point had it, or any other security agency participating in the operation, released information suggesting that any of the abducted children had died.
Police authorities warned that the spread of false security-related information could have far-reaching consequences, including disrupting rescue operations, causing additional distress to the families of the victims and emboldening criminal elements.
The Command also cautioned bloggers, social media influencers, online publishers and content creators against amplifying unverified reports, urging them to adhere to professional and ethical standards when reporting sensitive security matters.
Read also: Obi urges youths to reclaim Nigeria, decries ‘normalised’ school abductions under Tinubu
“Consequently, the Oyo State Police Command strongly cautions individuals, bloggers, social media influencers, online content creators and media platforms against the publication or amplification of unverified security-related information,” the statement added.
“The indiscriminate sharing of false reports, particularly those capable of inciting fear or causing public disorder, is irresponsible and unacceptable.”
The police appealed to members of the public to rely solely on official communications from the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised security agencies for credible information on the incident.
Reaffirming its commitment to the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren, the Command assured residents that verified updates would be provided as the situation develops. It further urged media practitioners and online publishers to exercise restraint and due diligence, warning against becoming conduits for misinformation, fearmongering and the deliberate distortion of facts.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
