The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral video circulating online and falsely linked to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Friday, the Force clarified that the footage did not originate from Nigeria and had no connection with the kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to the police, the clip is being deliberately circulated to spread misinformation and create panic among the public.
“The Nigeria Police Force has noted that an old video from outside Nigeria is being falsely associated with the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State,” the statement read.
The Force stressed that the video was unrelated to the incident currently under investigation.
“This video is unrelated to the incident and is being used to spread misinformation and cause unnecessary panic,” the police added.
Despite the false reports online, the police assured Nigerians that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the safe rescue of the abducted victims.
The statement disclosed that additional intelligence and operational resources had been deployed to strengthen ongoing rescue operations.
“Security agencies have intensified rescue efforts, deploying additional operational and intelligence resources to ensure the victims’ safe return,” the Force stated.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier assured residents that security agencies and the state government were working to secure the release of the victims.
In a Children’s Day and Eid-el-Kabir message shared on Wednesday, the governor said authorities remained committed to ensuring the abducted children and teachers returned safely.
“As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe,” Makinde stated.
