The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false reports alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammun!tion to suspects involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the Command described the report, which circulated on social media and some online platforms, as misleading and unfounded.
According to the statement, the viral Facebook post claimed that the unnamed cleric was a gun runner for bandits linked to the abduction.
However, the police clarified that no such arrest had been made by the Command or any other security agency participating in the ongoing rescue operation.
The Command maintained that investigations into the abduction were still ongoing and warned against the spread of unverified information capable of undermining security operations.
It further described the publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing rescue efforts and to cast doubt on the professionalism and commitment of personnel working to secure the safe release of the victims.
The police advised members of the public to disregard the report and rely only on official information released through the verified communication channels of the Oyo State Police Command.
The Command also warned individuals and media platforms against disseminating false information, stressing that anyone found culpable would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
