The Oyo State Police Command has strongly refuted viral reports alleging the death of a schoolchild abducted during a recent incident in the Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire Local Government.

In a statement released on Friday, June 5, 2026, the Command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described the report as "malicious, misleading, mischievous, and without any factual basis whatsoever."
The police emphasized that neither the Oyo State Police Command nor any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operations has confirmed such a development.

The Command attributed the circulation of the false report to "purveyors of misinformation" and stated that it was deliberately fabricated to incite public anxiety, create panic, and undermine the ongoing security operations. The police expressed concern over the use of emotional narratives and unverified claims to manipulate public opinion and heighten fear among residents.

DSP Olayinka reassured the public that security agencies are diligently working towards the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers. The Command warned that the dissemination of false information during critical rescue operations could jeopardize efforts, cause additional trauma to affected families, and mislead the public.

Consequently, the police cautioned bloggers, social media influencers, online content creators, and media organizations against publishing or amplifying unverified security-related information, urging them to exercise professionalism, responsibility, and due diligence.

The abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved the kidnapping of approximately 39 students and seven teachers from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area. The incident has led to significant concern over the worsening security situation in the region.