Police Debunk Circulating Report On Oriire Abduction, Warn Against Security Misinformation
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a widely circulated publication containing purported operational details relating to the recent abduction incident at Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The Command described the publication as speculative and unofficial, warning members of the public against the spread of unverified information capable of jeopardising ongoing security operations.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command expressed concern over the circulation of reports allegedly containing identities of suspects, communication interception records, financial transaction details and other sensitive information connected to the investigation.
According to the statement, the publication did not originate from the Police Command or any recognised security agency involved in the investigation.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that the said publication is misleading, speculative and not an official security report. It contains numerous operational claims and technical assertions that did not emanate from the Police Command or any constituted security authority involved in the investigation,” the statement read.
The Command stressed that investigations into the abduction remain active, sensitive and intelligence-driven, noting that operational details, identities of suspects, investigative leads and financial intelligence components are protected to prevent compromise of ongoing efforts and facilitate the arrest of all those involved.
It cautioned bloggers, online publishers and members of the public against disseminating exaggerated, unverified or operationally sensitive information that could mislead the public, create panic or undermine security operations.
The Police further warned that anyone found deliberately spreading false information, interfering with investigations or obstructing security activities would face the full weight of the law.
The Command urged residents to rely solely on official communication channels for accurate and verified updates regarding the case and other security-related matters.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to identify, apprehend and prosecute all individuals connected to the crime in accordance with the law.