MISINFO ALERT: Police Debunk Reports Claiming Abducted Oyo Schoolgirl Died in Captivity

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, died while in captivity, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday, the command said neither the police nor any of the security agencies involved in the rescue operation had confirmed such a development.

"The report is false, misleading, mischievous, and without any factual basis whatsoever," the statement said.

The police accused those behind the report of spreading unverified information and exploiting emotional narratives to stir fear and influence public opinion.

"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 added.

According to the police, ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils are being conducted with professionalism and discretion. The command warned that the dissemination of false information could undermine security operations and worsen the distress experienced by the victims' families.

The police also cautioned bloggers, social media influencers, online content creators, and media organisations against publishing unverified security-related reports.

"The indiscriminate sharing of false reports, particularly those capable of inciting fear or causing public disorder, is irresponsible and unacceptable," the statement noted.

Residents were urged to disregard the claim and rely only on updates issued through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the command assured residents that verified information regarding the incident would be communicated as necessary.

Several schoolchildren were recently abducted by gunmen in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, triggering a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies. The police said investigations and efforts to secure the victims' release remain ongoing.