The Oyo State Police Command has warned against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining ongoing efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, dismissing reports that a pastor was arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to the kidnappers.
The command described the reports, circulating on some online platforms and social media, as false, misleading and unfounded.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said a Facebook post alleged that a pastor was arrested for acting as a gunrunner for the kidnappers but failed to identify the cleric by name or provide any verifiable details.
The police said no such arrest had been made by the command or any other security agency participating 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 alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to individuals involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire.
