The Oyo State Police Command has categorically denied viral social media reports alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to the individuals involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. In a statement issued on Saturday, June 27, the command's spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, described the claims as "entirely false, misleading, and unfounded," urging the public to disregard them.
Police Spokesperson Dismisses Reports as Distraction
Ayanlade emphasized that no such arrest had been made by the police or any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation. He stated that the publication appeared to be a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from their efforts to secure the safe return of the victims. The police warned that individuals and platforms spreading false information would be identified, investigated, arrested, and prosecuted.
Origin of the False Claim
The baseless claim originated from a Facebook post that did not provide the name or address of the alleged pastor. The post asserted that the cleric was a gunrunner for the terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA. However, the police have now quashed this narrative.
Background of the Oriire Abduction
On May 15, assailants attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, abducting approximately 39 students and seven teachers. One tutor was killed during the attack. Governor Seyi Makinde attributed the incident to terrorists, suggesting that pressure on terror groups in the north was pushing them southward. The Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Michael Onoja, identified the group as JAS, formally known as Boko Haram.
Escalation and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The crisis escalated when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the captors. In videos, Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, who remains among the abductees, pleaded with authorities to negotiate their release, warning that the kidnappers had threatened to kill another victim. Governor Makinde has stated he is willing to sacrifice himself for the hostages but refuses to negotiate with the abductors, asserting that doing so would surrender state authority to criminal groups. Authorities have confirmed that the abducted individuals are still being held within Old Oyo National Park.
Political Reactions
The Oyo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Makinde over his handling of the security situation, calling for his resignation. The APC accused Makinde of misrepresenting the constitutional role of state governors in addressing insecurity, particularly after he claimed that his hands were tied because security agencies are under federal control.
