Is It True That Abducted Oyo Schoolchild Died in Captivity? Police Speak Out
- Oyo State Police, in an exclusive chat with Legit.ng, denied reports of an abducted schoolchild's death amid ongoing rescue efforts
- As public attention remains on Oyo, police in the state described the viral claim as false, misleading, and lacking factual foundation
- Widespread kidnappings and the ever-expanding presence of armed groups across Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, are likely to be key issues in the run-up to the 2027 elections
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering security matters and counter-insurgency in Nigeria and Africa.
Ogbomosho, Oyo state - The Oyo State Police Command on Friday, June 5, expressed deep concern over viral reports alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted during the recent incident at Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire local government area (LGA), has died while in captivity.
In a statement signed by Ayanlade Olayinka, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Command, and obtained by Legit.ng, the police said the report is false, misleading, mischievous, and without any factual basis whatsoever.
Source: Twitter
The statement partly read:
"At no time has the Oyo State Police Command, nor any other recognised security agency involved in the ongoing rescue efforts, confirmed such a development."
Tinubu faces rising security pressure
When he came to power three years ago, President Bola Tinubu pledged - like his predecessors - to tackle insecurity by recruiting more soldiers and policemen, and making sure they were better equipped and paid.
However, the Oyo attack, along with the kidnapping of 42 schoolchildren in May in insurgency-hit northeast Borno state, has intensified scrutiny of Tinubu’s security record ahead of the 2027 elections.
Source: Facebook
Tinubu will seek re-election and is likely to enter the race as favourite, as the opposition, led by challengers former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi, remains divided.
However, worsening security could weigh on his chances, according to Reuters.
Oyo attack deepens security concerns
No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the Oyo state attacks, but the military has blamed Boko Haram Islamist militants, who usually operate in the northeast.
Some security operatives had been reportedly injured in an initial attempt to rescue the children and their teachers from the Community High School. Since then, authorities are believed to have made contact with the kidnappers.
Authorities have urged families to stay calm and refrain from spreading rumours or unverified videos.
Read more Oyo state news:
- Alaafin Owoade plans to rebuild 200-year-old Oyo palace, gives reason
- Former Oyo governor's eldest child, Bisola Ajimobi, dies at 42
Oyo: Makinde told to resign
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Oyo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his remarks on the security situation in the state, calling for his resignation.
The Oyo APC described Makinde's comments at a political event as a misrepresentation of the constitutional role of state governors in addressing insecurity in Nigeria.
In a statement by Olawale Sadare, its spokesperson, the party faulted Makinde’s claim that he is constrained in tackling insecurity because security agencies are under the control of the federal government.
Source: Legit.ng
