Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State Police Command has categorically debunked viral messages circulating on social media that falsely claimed the 46 pupils, students and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May 2026 have been released by their captors. In a press release issued on Thursday, 4 June 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, stated that the claim is “false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated”. As of the time of the release, the command said there has been no such development, and members of the public were advised to disregard the report in its entirety.
The abduction occurred on 15 May 2026, when about 12 armed men on motorcycles, dressed in military camouflage, simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro‑Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. The assailants killed an assistant headmaster, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist, before forcing 39 pupils and seven teachers into the bush. A mathematics teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded in a viral video. The victims include a two‑year‑old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, and the principal of Community High School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, who has appeared in a video from captivity pleading for the government to negotiate.
The police command reassured the families of the victims and the public that “intensive and coordinated rescue operations remain ongoing”, with security operatives working tirelessly to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted persons, their unharmed reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of all those responsible. While appreciating public concern, the command strongly cautioned individuals and groups against the dissemination of false information, unverified reports, and sensational narratives capable of causing unnecessary panic, undermining ongoing security operations, and threatening public peace and order.
The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to rely solely on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government agencies. Citizens were encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing security efforts while refraining from sharing unverified information on social media. The command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims and promised to provide timely and accurate updates as developments unfold.
As of Thursday, 4 June 2026, the 46 abducted pupils and teachers remain in captivity. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State, and civil society groups have held multiple protests demanding their release. The police have arrested six suspects believed to be informants, but the actual abductors are still at large. President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and the deployment of a specialised rescue unit, but no rescue breakthrough has been announced.
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