The Oyo State Police Command has firmly dismissed a viral video alleging that abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area were transported to Kaduna via helicopter. On Tuesday, June 23, police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade labeled the footage as “entirely false, unverified, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis.”
Police Reaffirm Ongoing Rescue Efforts
In a statement, the command emphasized that intensive rescue operations remain underway. “The Oyo State Police Command, in close collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has significantly intensified efforts aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of all abducted victims, their prompt reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the unfortunate incident,” the statement read.
The police also expressed deep concern over the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation by individuals seeking to undermine public confidence in the rescue efforts. The statement was shared on the command’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Background of the Abduction
The abduction occurred on May 15, when suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, abducting approximately 39 students and seven teachers. Governor Seyi Makinde attributed the attack to terrorists, noting that increased pressure on terror groups in the north is pushing them southward. Defence Headquarters spokesperson Michael Onoja disclosed that the group known as Boko Haram carried out the mass abduction.
The crisis escalated when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the kidnappers. In videos released by the captors, Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, who is among the abductees, stated that the kidnappers had threatened to kill another victim and urged authorities to urgently negotiate their release.
Governor Makinde’s Response
In mid-June, amid protests, Governor Makinde said he was willing to sacrifice himself if it would secure the hostages’ release. However, he stressed that the government would not negotiate with the abductors, warning that doing so would amount to surrendering the state’s authority to criminal groups.
Earlier, the Oyo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticized Governor Makinde over his remarks on the security situation, calling for his resignation. The APC described Makinde’s comments as a misrepresentation of the constitutional role of state governors in addressing insecurity. In a statement by spokesperson Olawale Sadare, the party faulted Makinde’s claim that he is constrained in tackling insecurity because security agencies are under federal control.
