The Oyo State Government has issued an urgent appeal to members of the press, calling for heightened discretion and caution in their reporting regarding the ongoing abduction of pupils and teachers in the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, emphasized that the safety of the captives is the government’s “paramount” concern. He warned that the unauthorized or premature disclosure of sensitive details regarding communications with kidnappers could have life-threatening consequences for the victims.
“As much as it is the right of journalists to know and inform the public, the current situation is not an everyday challenge,” Oyelade stated. “The wrong statement may achieve the very opposite of our objective.”
The Commissioner acknowledged the role of the media in a democratic society but stressed that the gravity of the current security crisis requires a departure from standard reporting practices. He urged media organizations to prioritize the lives of citizens over the rush for exclusive updates, noting that the state government is currently working under a policy of extreme caution.
“Until the right time which will be soon enough the Oyo State government prefers to stay on the side of caution and do everything possible to preserve the lives of our citizens and discourage kidnapping and bandits on our soil,” the statement read.
This appeal comes as the state enters the third week of a high-stakes rescue operation following the May 15 abduction of students and staff from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Amotekun Corps, have maintained a heavy presence in the area, with reports indicating that the kidnappers remain trapped within the perimeter of the Old Oyo National Park.
The government’s plea for discretion follows recent days of heated political exchanges, during which state officials pushed back against external criticisms that they argue could distract security operatives and further endanger those still held in captivity.
The Commissioner reiterated that the government remains fully committed to the safe rescue of all hostages and will provide updates as soon as the security situation allows for such information to be shared without compromising the mission.
