The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released by their captors.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command described the reports as false and misleading, stressing that none of the victims had regained their freedom as of the time of the announcement.
According to the police, ongoing rescue operations are still underway to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the viral messages currently circulating across various social media platforms alleging that the pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota Communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been released by their abductors,” the statement read.
The Command warned members of the public against spreading unverified information, noting that such reports could create unnecessary anxiety among families of the victims and undermine ongoing security efforts.
Residents were urged to rely only on official communications from the police and relevant government agencies for updates on the situation.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
Reports indicate that about 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attack, bringing the total number of victims to approximately 46.
The incident has sparked concern across the education sector, with calls intensifying for the safe return of the pupils and teachers.
The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had earlier directed teachers in public schools to withdraw their services following the abduction, while protests demanding the release of the victims have been held in parts of Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states.
Security agencies have continued efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
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