Nigerian Police deny arresting pastor over Oyo school abduction

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that a pastor was arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to suspects involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the claims as false and misleading.

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In a statement issued on Saturday, June 27, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said reports circulating on some media platforms and social media falsely alleged that a pastor had been arrested for acting as a gunrunner for the kidnappers.

According to the police, the Facebook post at the centre of the claim neither identified the alleged pastor by name nor provided any address, adding that no such arrest had been made by the police or any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation.

“The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to false and misleading reports circulating across some media outlets, online publications, and a Facebook post that has also surfaced on some other platform, alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to individuals involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Orire.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading, and unfounded. The Facebook post, which did not mention the name or address of the pastor, further claimed that the cleric was a gun runner for the bandits. However, the Command wishes to state that no such arrest has been made by the Police or any other known security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation, and investigation is ongoing.”

The command said it viewed the publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security personnel from ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted victims and to undermine public confidence in security agencies.

“The Command views this publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing rescue efforts and to cast doubt on the integrity, commitment, and professionalism of personnel working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement added.

The police urged members of the public to disregard the report and rely only on official updates issued through the verified communication channels of the Oyo State Police Command. “Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the false report and rely only on official updates issued through verified channels of the Oyo State Police Command,” it added.

The command also warned individuals and media platforms against spreading false information, stating that anyone found responsible for disseminating misinformation capable of undermining public confidence or ongoing security operations would face legal action.

“Furthermore, individuals and platforms involved in the deliberate spread of false information are warned to desist, as the Command will not hesitate to invoke all lawful means to identify, investigate, arrest, and prosecute anyone found culpable of disseminating misinformation capable of undermining public confidence and ongoing security operations,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the police said efforts to secure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers remain ongoing. “The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted victims and maintaining public safety across the State,” the statement added.