Police clarify no pastor was arrested in Oyo school abduction case

The Oyo State Police Command has denied claims that a pastor was arrested for providing weapons to suspects involved in the kidnapping of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said reports circulating in some media and on social media are false and misleading.

The statement mentioned a Facebook post that claimed a pastor was arrested for being a gunrunner for the abductors. However, the post did not name the pastor or provide any address.

The police said no arrest has been made by their command or by any other security agency involved in the rescue efforts.

The statement read, "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 expressed concern that this publication might distract security forces from their work and shake public trust in them.

"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 continued.

Police urged the public to ignore the false report and only trust updates from the official communication channels of the Oyo State Police Command.

"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," it added.

The police also warned those spreading false information to stop, saying anyone caught sharing misinformation that could harm public trust or security operations would face investigation and prosecution.

"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.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of the kidnapped victims and ensuring public safety in the state.