IBADAN — The Oyo State government has denied reports circulating on social media that the teachers and students abducted from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area have been released.
Abayomi Fagbenro, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, described the viral posts as incorrect. The rumors, which began spreading widely on Wednesday evening, claimed that the victims had safely returned. While some online accounts repeated the claim, other users questioned the accuracy of the reports after noticing a lack of confirmation from mainstream news platforms.
Security Teams Maintain Search Operations
When asked about the status of the victims on Thursday morning, Fagbenro confirmed that no such release had taken place.
"As of 10:35 am, it’s not true," Fagbenro said, clarifying that the individuals remain in captivity.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Oyo State Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, similarly stated that the command was unaware of any release. Ayanlade noted, however, that joint security teams are actively working to locate the victims and secure their freedom.
The security breach occurred when armed men invaded three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota axis near Ogbomoso. The targeted institutions were the First Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and the LEA Primary School in Esiele. During the raid, the attackers killed at least two people, including a local teacher, and forced roughly 30 children and staff members into the nearby forest area.
Federal and State Frameworks Coordinate on Rescue
According to details provided by the state government, the missing persons include seven students from Community Grammar School, alongside 18 children and seven teachers taken from the First Baptist primary section.
[Friday, May 15] Armed men raid three schools in Oriire LGA; two killed, 32 abducted.
│
[Tuesday, May 19] Defence Headquarters confirms troops have established contact with abductors.
│
[Thursday Morning] Viral rumors of release emerge online; Oyo State officials confirm reports are false.
The incident has drawn formal responses from federal authorities. The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, announced that specialized detectives from the Force Headquarters in Abuja have been deployed to assist local units. The reinforcement aims to improve intelligence gathering and track the abductors' movement toward the boundaries of the Old Oyo National Park.
In Abuja, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, called for a careful and timely rescue operation to ensure the victims are brought back without further casualties. The Defence Headquarters also issued a statement indicating that military personnel had established initial contact with the armed group and are adjusting tactical plans to manage the situation safely.
Governor Seyi Makinde reiterated that the state is utilizing available resources to support the federal deployment, adding that establishing a secure environment for rural schools remains an immediate priority for the administration.
Security officials dismiss viral social media claims as false, confirming that rescue operations continue for victims taken from three schools in Oriire.
