The Oyo State Police Command has officially refuted social media claims suggesting that a traditional leader in the Oriire Local Government Area was summoned for questioning regarding the kidnapping of local schoolchildren and their teachers.
DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the spokesperson for the police, labeled these reports as inaccurate and baseless on Wednesday. He explicitly stated that High Chief Tajudeen Abioye, the Elesinele of Esinele, was never invited for an interview regarding the case.
According to the police, these rumors are part of a strategic misinformation campaign by criminal groups intended to incite conflict and disrupt ongoing rescue operations. The command warned that such falsehoods could potentially hinder the recovery of the victims.
The authorities have asked the public to ignore these unsubstantiated reports and refrain from spreading information that could threaten security missions. The police emphasized their ongoing collaboration with security partners to locate the captives and prosecute those responsible for the crime. Residents are encouraged to provide legitimate tips to officials to aid in the investigation.