The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area have been released by their captors.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the reports as false, misleading and unsubstantiated.

About 40 pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.

“The Command wishes to categorically debunk the viral messages currently circulating across various social media platforms alleging that the pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities have been released by their abductors,” the statement said.

“The claim is false, misleading and entirely unsubstantiated. As of the time of this release, there has been no such development, and members of the public are advised to disregard the report in its entirety.”

The command assured residents and families of the victims that rescue efforts remain ongoing, with security agencies deploying all available resources to secure the victims’ safe return and bring those responsible to justice.

According to the police, coordinated operations involving intelligence gathering and tactical deployments are continuing across affected areas.

The command also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, warning that false reports could create panic, undermine ongoing security operations and threaten public order.

Residents were urged to rely only on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies.

The police reiterated their commitment to rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers and promised to provide updates as developments unfold.