…Police debunk victim’s helicopter transfer claim
By Adeola Badru

Oyo State House of Assembly has raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in border communities, following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, even as the state Police Command, yesterday, dismissed claims that the victims had been flown to Kaduna State by helicopter.

Speaker of the House, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed concern over the rising wave of kidnappings and criminal activities in parts of Oke-Ogun and other border communities during a strategic meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abimbola Olugbenga, at the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

The meeting came amid anxiety over the fate of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, with security agencies intensifying efforts to secure their release.

Speaking after the meeting, Ogundoyin warned that porous borders and remote settlements had become operational bases for criminal elements.

According to him, “Many criminal elements take advantage of porous borders and remote communities to perpetrate kidnappings, attacks and other criminal activities.”

He called for stronger intelligence gathering and enhanced patrols across vulnerable communities, saying: “There is an urgent need to strengthen intelligence gathering, increase patrol operations and sustain proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property across Oyo State.”

The Speaker also commended security agencies for ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.

“We appreciate the ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers. We remain confident in the commitment and professionalism of the security personnel handling the operation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has debunked a viral social media video claiming that the abducted pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Command described the report as false, misleading and lacking any factual basis.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that the content of the said video is entirely false, unverified, misleading and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement said.

The police stressed that the claim lacked credibility and warned against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining ongoing rescue operations.

According to the Command, “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.”

The police expressed concern over what it described as deliberate attempts by some individuals to spread false information capable of creating panic and eroding public confidence in security efforts.

“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also capable of creating unnecessary panic, misleading the public and obstructing security operations,” the statement added.

The Command warned that anyone found originating or circulating misleading information intended to cast doubt on the professionalism of security agencies would face legal consequences.

It urged residents to remain calm and rely only on information released through official channels, assuring that all available resources were being deployed to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The Assembly and the police also agreed on the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, the executive and the legislature to tackle emerging security threats across the state.

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