Oyo Police Deny Reports of Released Abducted Pupils, Teachers, Say Rescue Efforts Ongoing

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area have been released by their captors.

The command made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan.
Speaking on the matter, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, described the report as false, misleading, and without any factual basis.
According to him, there had been no such development as of Thursday morning, urging members of the public to disregard the information.
“The claim that abductors have released the abducted pupils and teachers is false, misleading and entirely unsubstantiated.
“As of Thursday morning, no such development occurred and I urge members of the public to disregard the report in its entirety,” he said.
Osifeso, however, assured residents and relatives of the victims that security agencies were continuing intensive and coordinated efforts to secure the safe release of the abductees.
He stated that security operatives were working relentlessly, deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed and reunited with their families, while also bringing those responsible for the crime to justice.
“We are committed to ensuring the victims’ safe return and the prosecution of all those responsible for the abduction,” he said.
The police spokesperson further advised members of the public to rely only on information released through official channels and avoid spreading unverified reports that could jeopardize ongoing rescue operations.