Oyo State Police Command firmly denies Oyo pastor arrest rumours linking a cleric to arms supply in the Oriire abduction of students and teachers, urging the public to rely on official updates

The Oyo State Police Command has strongly refuted false and misleading reports circulating in some media outlets and on social media platforms alleging the arrest of a pastor for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to bandits involved in the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade issued the clarification on Saturday 27 June 2026, describing the claims as entirely unfounded.

The viral Facebook post, which did not provide the name or address of the supposed pastor, further accused the cleric of being a gun runner for the criminals.

The command emphasised that no such arrest had been made by the police or any other security agency participating in the ongoing rescue operation.

“The Command views this publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing rescue efforts and to cast doubt on the integrity, commitment, and professionalism of personnel working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement read.

This development comes amid heightened public anxiety following the 15 May abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Oriire, where one teacher was killed and another tragically beheaded in captivity.

Security agencies continue to work on securing the release of those still held.

The police warned individuals and platforms spreading misinformation to desist, stating they would not hesitate to invoke all lawful means to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable.

Residents were urged to rely solely on official updates from verified channels of the Oyo State Police Command.