By Oscar Okhifo
The Oyo State Police Command has debunked a viral report alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the claim as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to undermine ongoing security operations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command said the allegation, which circulated widely across mainstream and social media platforms, was entirely fabricated and did not originate from the police or any of the security agencies investigating the Oriire school abduction.
Reacting to the report, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, expressed concern over the widespread circulation of what he described as fake news, warning that it was designed to misinform the public, erode confidence in security agencies, and distract operatives from ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted victims.
Olayinka noted that the viral publication failed to identify the alleged pastor, his church, or provide any verifiable details to support the claim. He stressed that no pastor had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and urged the public to disregard the report.
“The Command views this publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing rescue efforts and to cast doubt on the integrity, commitment and professionalism of personnel working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims,” Olayinka said.
He added that the publication was not only misleading but also capable of undermining ongoing security operations.
“The false publication not only misleads members of the public but also has the potential to impede ongoing security operations and erode confidence in law enforcement agencies working to secure the release of the abducted victims.”
The police spokesman urged residents to rely solely on information disseminated through the official communication channels of the Oyo State Police Command, warning that the spread of unverified information only fuels unnecessary anxiety and hampers security efforts.
Olayinka also cautioned individuals and media organisations against publishing unverified reports, noting that the deliberate dissemination of misinformation could obstruct ongoing investigations and attract sanctions under the law.
The incident has, however, renewed concerns over the growing spread of misinformation and the perceived lack of accountability for those responsible for originating and circulating false reports.
“Nigerians wonder why the purveyors of fake news are so determined and why they are never or hardly brought to book. If such a trended news and video is fake and it is taking this long for the police to refute, then we are in trouble,” said Abdulfatai Kamoru, an Ibadan resident.
The police clarification came several days after the allegation had gained traction online, triggering public concern and widespread speculation before the command issued its official denial.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Olayinka appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible intelligence that could aid ongoing rescue operations rather than spreading rumours capable of undermining security efforts.