‎Police Dismiss Report Linking Pastor to Orire Kidnap, Warn Against Fake News ‎

The Oyo State Police Command has debunked reports alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to suspects involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Orire, describing the claims as false, misleading, and intended to undermine ongoing rescue operations.
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‎In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command said no pastor had been arrested by the police or any other security agency in connection with the Orire kidnapping, contrary to reports circulating on social media and some online platforms.
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‎According to the statement, “the viral Facebook post failed to identify the alleged pastor by name or address while falsely claiming he served as an arms supplier to the abductors. The police stressed that the publication lacked any factual basis and urged members of the public to disregard the report.”
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‎The Command warned that the circulation of unverified information could distract security personnel from ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted victims and erode public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
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‎It further cautioned individuals and media platforms against spreading misinformation, stating that anyone found deliberately disseminating false information capable of jeopardising security operations would be identified, investigated, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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‎The police reaffirmed their commitment to securing the safe rescue of the abducted students and teachers while maintaining peace and security across Oyo State. Residents were advised to rely only on official updates released through the Command’s verified communication channels.