The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media that claimed abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State had been transported to Kaduna by helicopter.
Oyo police dismiss helicopter allegation
Reacting to the video on Tuesday, June 23, Olayinka Ayanlade, spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, described the claim as completely baseless and lacking any form of verification.
According to Ayanlade, the video is “entirely false, unverified, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis.”
The police statement read: “Members of the public are hereby informed that intensive rescue operations remain ongoing.
“The Oyo State Police Command, in close collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has significantly intensified efforts aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of all abducted victims, their prompt reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the unfortunate incident.”
The command further expressed concern over what it described as a coordinated effort by some individuals to spread false information capable of eroding public trust in the ongoing operation to rescue the victims.
PRESS RELEASE
OYO STATE POLICE COMMAND DEBUNKS FALSE SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIM ON ABDUCTED SCHOOL CHILDREN AND TEACHERS
The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and unfounded video currently circulating on social media, alleging that the abducted…
— Oyo State Police Command (@OyoPoliceNG) June 23, 2026
Anxiety remains over Oyo school abduction
The incident dates back to May 15, when suspected bandits launched attacks on three schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, and abducted approximately 39 students alongside seven teachers.
Governor Seyi Makinde attributed the attack to terrorist elements, arguing that sustained military pressure against insurgent groups in northern Nigeria was forcing them to relocate their activities toward the southern part of the country.
In a separate statement, Michael Onoja, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), revealed that JAS, the official designation of the group commonly referred to as Boko Haram, was responsible for carrying out the large-scale abduction.
The situation worsened shortly afterward when one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the abductors.
Videos later surfaced showing Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, who is among those being held captive.
In the recordings, she disclosed that the kidnappers had threatened to murder another hostage and appealed to authorities to urgently engage in efforts that could secure their freedom.
During protests held in mid-June, Governor Makinde stated that he would be prepared to sacrifice himself if it would guarantee the release of the captives.
He, however, maintained that the government would not enter into negotiations with the abductors, stressing that such a move would effectively hand over the authority of the state to criminal elements.
Authorities have continued to maintain that the abducted students and teachers remain within the Old Oyo National Park.
