Authorities in Oyo State have rejected social media claims that teachers and pupils kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area have regained freedom.

The clarification was issued while security forces continue efforts to rescue victims taken from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. On May 15, armed men dressed in military-style uniforms attacked the schools and seized students and staff. Governor Seyi Makinde said 32 people were abducted: seven students from Community Grammar School, plus 18 children and seven teachers from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School. Other accounts report 39 pupils/students and seven teachers taken.

During the raid, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed. Clips showing abducted principal Mrs. Alamu and teacher Temitope calling for help have spread widely online.

Joint operations involving police tactical teams, soldiers, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes are ongoing in forests near Old Oyo National Park, where the kidnappers are thought to be camped. Six people suspected of acting as informants have been detained.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu is directing a tech-supported rescue mission with the Intelligence Response Team. President Bola Tinubu described the teacher’s killing as “barbaric” and said federal authorities are working closely with Oyo State to free everyone.

Governor Makinde said the state is open to hearing the abductors’ demands if that will secure the victims’ release. He called on residents to quickly report unusual activity and insisted the government will not bow to terror.

The Oyo State Police Command noted that operatives are moving carefully because the kidnappers are using the abductees as human shields. As of now, the teachers and students are still in captivity, and reports of their release are inaccurate.