Oyo State Police deny arrest of pastor in Orire schoolchildren kidnapping

The Oyo State Police Command has officially refuted social‑media claims that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms to the kidnappers who abducted students and teachers in the Orire area of Oyo State. In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said the allegation was "entirely false, misleading and unfounded" and confirmed that no cleric has been taken into custody by any security agency involved in the rescue operation.

The police noted that the rumor originated from a Facebook post that named a pastor as a gun‑runner for the bandits, but provided no name or verifiable details. Authorities warned the public to rely only on official updates, urged platforms and individuals to stop spreading misinformation, and said they would use all lawful means to identify, investigate and prosecute anyone found disseminating false information that could undermine confidence in the ongoing rescue effort.