The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media that victims abducted at Igbope in Oorelope Local Council of the state had been rescued.

The Command said that the claim, contained in a viral video and related online posts, was unfounded and capable of creating confusion while efforts to secure the release of the victims were still ongoing.

The victims, identified as Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and her son, were abducted on June 16, 2026.

In a statement, yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Command had intensified intelligence-led and operational efforts in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders to secure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehend those behind the abduction.

According to the police, the dissemination of unverified information at such a sensitive period could generate false narratives, create unnecessary panic and undermine ongoing rescue operations.

The Command, however, appealed to residents and members of the public with credible information about the incident to assist security agencies by providing useful intelligence to aid the operation.

It also urged citizens to rely on official channels for updates and verify information before sharing it on social media.

MEANWHILE, a Fulani socio-cultural organisation, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other South-West governors, to caution Igboho over what it described as inflammatory remarks against Fulani communities in Oyo State.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, and dated June 21, 2026, the group warned that profiling Fulani communities for crimes allegedly committed by individuals could deepen ethnic tensions and undermine efforts to promote peace and security.

The organisation stressed that Fulani people are opposed to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, but maintained that criminal acts should not be attributed to an entire ethnic group.

According to the group, Fulani communities across the country are made up of law-abiding citizens who should not be collectively blamed for the actions of criminal elements.

It, however, expressed concern over what it described as a recurring tendency to associate Fulani communities with criminal activities without sufficient evidence, warning that such generalisation could fuel hostility and violence.

However, the Oorelope Local Council Chairman has refuted the claims, insisting that the victims remained in captivity.