No child has died in captivity – Oyo police

The Oyo State Police Command has described as false a report claiming that one of the schoolchildren abducted during a recent attack on three schools in Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area of the state, died in captivity.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, the police described the report as “malicious, misleading and entirely unfounded,” insisting that it was designed to trigger panic and undermine ongoing rescue operations.

The Command said at no time had it, or any other security agency involved in the rescue efforts, confirmed the death of any of the abducted pupils.

“The Oyo State Police Command has observed with grave concern the circulation of a malicious and entirely unfounded report alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted during the recent incident at Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, died while in captivity.

“It is particularly disturbing that the authors of the report deliberately employed emotional narratives, speculative claims and unverified accounts in a calculated attempt to manipulate public opinion and generate anxiety among residents,” the statement read.

The police further warned that the spread of unverified security-related information could jeopardise ongoing operations, cause distress to the families of victims and embolden criminal elements.

The Command cautioned bloggers, social media influencers and online publishers against circulating unverified reports, urging them to adhere to professional standards and verify sensitive information before publication.

“Consequently, the Oyo State Police Command strongly cautions individuals, bloggers, social media influencers, online content creators and media platforms against the publication or amplification of unverified security-related information.

“The indiscriminate sharing of false reports, particularly those capable of inciting fear or causing public disorder, is irresponsible and unacceptable,” it stated.

It also appealed to members of the public to rely only on official communications from the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised security agencies for credible updates on the incident.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to securing the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and assured residents that verified updates would be provided as the situation develops.

“The Command therefore appeals to all media houses, bloggers and online content creators to exercise professionalism, responsibility and due diligence in the discharge of their duties.

“They must refrain from becoming unwitting accomplices to those whose stock-in-trade is misinformation, fearmongering and the deliberate distortion of facts for ulterior motives,” the statement added. (Punch)