Police speak on ‘arrest’ of Pastor over abduction of Oyo schoolchildren

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Police has described viral report on some online platforms and social media alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to individuals involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Orire local government area of Oyo State as entirely false and misleading.

The report had claimed that the cleric was a gun runner for the bandits.

But the name or address of the pastor was not mentioned in the report.

However, Oyo police Command spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka in a statement on Saturday said the claim of the arrest of pastor over the abduction of the schoolchildren and teachers is entirely false, misleading, and unfounded.

“However, the Command wishes to state that no such arrest has been made by the Police or any other known security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation, and investigation is ongoing.

Olayinka said the Command views the publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and their teachers and to cast doubt on the integrity, commitment, and professionalism of personnel working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the false report and rely only on official updates issued through verified channels of the Oyo State Police Command,” the Oyo police spokesperson said.

He also warned individuals and platforms involved in the deliberate spread of false information to desist from such actions.

He warned that Oyo Police Command will not hesitate to invoke all lawful means to identify, investigate, arrest, and prosecute anyone found culpable of disseminating misinformation capable of undermining public confidence and ongoing security operations.

“The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted victims and maintaining public safety across the State,” he concluded.