Police Deny Reports of Pastor's Arrest Over Oyo School Abduction

The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports circulating in some quarters that a pastor was arrested in connection with the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

The police described the reports as false, misleading, and capable of distorting the ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the high-profile abduction that has continued to attract national attention.

In a statement, the police clarified that no pastor had been arrested in connection with the incident, urging the public to disregard the false reports and rely only on official information released through the appropriate channels.

The Force noted that since the abduction occurred, security agencies had intensified investigations and rescue operations, with several leads being pursued in efforts to free the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The police, however, emphasised that any developments in the investigation would be communicated to the public through official channels, and warned against the spread of unverified information that could undermine the ongoing operations.

The Force called on members of the public to support security agencies by providing useful information that could aid the rescue of the victims and the arrest of those behind the abduction, rather than circulating unconfirmed reports on social media and other platforms.

The police further appealed to journalists and media organisations to verify their reports with the appropriate authorities before publication, particularly on sensitive security matters that could have far-reaching implications for ongoing operations and public safety.

The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State has triggered widespread outrage across the country, with various stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society organisations, religious bodies, and concerned citizens, calling on the government to act swiftly to secure the safe return of the victims.

The incident has also reignited concerns over the safety of schools, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities, with renewed calls for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering, and the implementation of safe school initiatives across the country.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to working with other security agencies, the state government, and community stakeholders to secure the release of the abducted victims and dismantle the criminal networks behind the attack.

The Force assured the families of the victims and the general public that no effort would be spared in ensuring the safe return of the schoolchildren and teachers, and that those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

It also urged the public to remain calm and avoid actions or statements that could complicate the ongoing operations or jeopardise the safety of the captives.

The Oyo State school abduction has remained one of the most disturbing security incidents in the country in recent times, with the prolonged captivity of the victims sparking calls for urgent and decisive government action.

The police denial of the alleged pastor's arrest is expected to put to rest some of the speculations surrounding the case, even as attention remains focused on the efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.