June 4 (THEWILL) — The Oyo Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading, widespread social media reports claiming that pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state had regained their freedom.
The Command warned members of the public against circulating unverified reports, stressing that no such breakthrough had been recorded in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the viral messages as entirely unfounded and urged residents to disregard the claims.
According to him, reports suggesting that the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued or released were inaccurate and capable of creating confusion around the sensitive security situation.
“As of the time of this release, there has been no such development, and members of the public are advised to disregard the report in its entirety”, Ayanlade said.
The Police, however, reassured residents of Oyo State and the affected families that security agencies remained fully committed to securing the safe return of the victims.
Ayanlade said intensive rescue efforts were still ongoing, adding that security operatives had continued to deploy all available operational and human resources towards ensuring that the abducted pupils and teachers were safely reunited with their families.
“The Command wishes to reassure the good people of Oyo State and the families of the victims that intensive and coordinated rescue operations remain ongoing. Security operatives are working tirelessly, deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers and their unharmed reunification with their families”, he stated.
The Command further expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation surrounding the incident, warning that false reports and sensational narratives could jeopardise security operations and trigger unnecessary fear among residents.
According to the Police, misinformation during periods of security challenges has the potential to heighten public anxiety, create panic and undermine ongoing intervention efforts.
“Sensational narratives are capable of causing unnecessary panic, heightening public anxiety, undermining ongoing security operations and threatening public peace and order”, the statement added.
The Command urged residents to rely solely on verified information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.
It also called on members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by avoiding the spread of unconfirmed information across social media and other communication platforms.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the victims and will continue to provide timely and accurate updates as developments unfold”, Ayanlade added.
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