IBADAN, NIGERIA — The Oyo State Police Command has officially debunked viral social media reports claiming the rescue of 32 students and seven teachers who were abducted from three separate schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The victims remain in captivity as state authorities and allied security forces intensify their search operations within the region.

Countering Misinformation on the Field

Speaking on behalf of the Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, clarified that the rumors circulating online are entirely false. The spokesperson warned that the premature spread of unverified breakthroughs actively harms active tactical movements on the ground.

"The Command hereby debunks the rumour currently circulating that the victims have been rescued," Olayinka stated. "The spread of fake news and misinformation only creates unnecessary panic, heightens tension, and diverts limited security resources that are critically needed for the ongoing operations."

Tactical Efforts Intensify

The police reassured the public that a joint security team is currently deployed, making intensive efforts to secure the safe release of the school pupils, students, and their teachers. Operations are also heavily focused on tracking down and arresting the armed bandits responsible for the mass abduction.

Community members and the broader public are strongly urged to maintain calmness and cooperate with the ongoing security measures. Officials stressed the importance of verifying security information before sharing it across digital platforms, noting that official channels remain open for authentic operational updates as the situation develops.