Police deny arresting pastor over Oyo school abduction

The Oyo State Police Command has debunked reports alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to suspects involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command described the reports circulating on some media platforms and social media as false, misleading and unfounded.

According to the statement, a Facebook post alleged that a pastor had been arrested for acting as a gunrunner for the abductors, but failed to identify the cleric by name or address.

The police said no such arrest had been made by the command or any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation.

The statement, “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 operatives from ongoing rescue efforts and undermine public confidence in the 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.

It 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 police also warned individuals and platforms spreading false information to desist, noting that anyone found culpable of disseminating misinformation capable of undermining public confidence or security operations would be investigated and prosecuted.

“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.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe rescue of the abducted victims and maintaining public safety across the state.

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.