Oyo denies reports of abducted teachers, students’ release

The Oyo State Government has dismissed viral social media reports claiming that teachers and students abducted during last Friday’s attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area had regained freedom.

The government described the reports circulating online as false and misleading, urging members of the public to disregard unverified information capable of creating confusion and unnecessary tension among residents and families of the victims.

The attack, which occurred in communities within the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota axis of Ogbomoso in Oriire Local Government Area, led to the killing of at least two persons while several teachers and students were abducted by armed men.

Since Wednesday night, various social media platforms have been flooded with conflicting claims regarding the fate of the abducted victims. While some posts alleged that the victims had been released, others questioned the authenticity of the reports, noting the absence of official confirmation from security agencies and credible news platforms.

Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, Abayomi Fagbenro, clarified that there had been no confirmed release of the abducted teachers and students as of Thursday morning. He stressed that security agencies and government officials were still actively working to secure the safe return of those held captive.

Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command stated that it had not received any official report confirming the release of the victims. Authorities noted that rescue operations and intelligence gathering efforts were ongoing, with security operatives intensifying efforts to locate the abductors and ensure the victims are safely reunited with their families.

Following the attack, additional security personnel and tactical teams were reportedly deployed to the affected communities as part of coordinated rescue operations involving multiple security agencies. The authorities assured residents that all necessary measures were being taken to prevent further attacks and strengthen security around schools and vulnerable communities.

National attention has continued to focus on the incident, with several public figures and stakeholders calling for urgent action to secure the release of the abducted students and teachers. Concerns have also been raised over the growing insecurity affecting schools and rural communities across parts of the country.

Security authorities disclosed that operatives had established contact in the course of rescue operations and were carefully pursuing strategies aimed at ensuring the victims are rescued unharmed. Officials emphasised the need for caution and professionalism in handling the operation to avoid putting the lives of the abducted persons at risk.

Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier assured residents that the state government remained committed to securing the release of all victims while strengthening security measures across Oyo State. He also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing operations.

The attack involved armed men invading Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and LEA Primary School in the Oriire area, where several pupils, students, and teachers were forcefully taken away.

Authorities have continued to urge the public to avoid spreading unverified reports on social media, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts and create panic among residents and families awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.