The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports alleging that a pastor was arrested in connection with the abduction of students and teachers in the Orire area of the state, describing the claim as false and misleading.

The command said no pastor had been arrested by the police or any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation, contrary to reports circulating on some media platforms and social media.

In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the reports falsely claimed that the cleric was arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to those behind the abduction.

The police said the viral social media post neither identified the pastor nor provided any address, adding that the allegations were unfounded.

According to the command, the publication was a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted victims and undermine public confidence in the security agencies.

It urged members of the public to disregard the reports and rely only on official information released through the verified communication channels of the command.

The Oyo State Police Command also warned individuals and platforms involved in spreading false information to desist, stressing that anyone found disseminating misinformation capable of jeopardising security operations would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The command reiterated its commitment to securing the safe rescue of the abducted students and teachers while assuring residents of its resolve to maintain security across the state.