False Images Linked to Oyo Kidnapping Debunked

A fact check revealed that images circulating online, purportedly showing children injured during a kidnapping in Oyo State, were actually from an incident in Niger dating back to June 2020. The photographs were linked to a report about children at a Quran school in Diffa, Niger, who were subjected to corporal punishment by a teacher.

The Oyo State kidnapping incident occurred on May 15, 2026, involving pupils and school personnel in the Ahoro Esiel area of Oriir Local Government. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that there were no fatalities among the abducted pupils and labeled the claims of injuries as false, stating that such misinformation could create unnecessary panic and hinder rescue efforts.

The misleading posts gained traction on social media amid widespread concern for the victims' safety.