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| - AN X user, @Voiceofigbos, has claimed that 50 people, including five Nigerian soldiers, have been kidnapped by gunmen in Oyo State, and as a result, a state of emergency has been declared in the South Western region of Nigeria.
He posted the claim with a caption thus:
“BREAKING: 50 people have been kidnapped in Oyo State Yoruba land by gunmen. 5 Nigerian soldiers were also kidnapped. State of Emergency has been declared across South West. The whole region is a crime scene from Skvll mining to kidnapping.”
READ: Claim that Oyo has been split to two states is misleading!
The post has garnered over 600 likes and more than 300 reposts as of January 14, 2025.
CLAIM
50 people, including 5 soldiers, were kidnapped in Oyo State, and a state of emergency has been declared in the South West.
THE FINDINGS
Findings by The FactCheckHub revealed that the claim is FALSE.
Oyo State, located in southwestern Nigeria, is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic cities like Ibadan, and vibrant agricultural activities. It is one of the oldest states in the country and plays a significant role in the region’s economy and politics.
Recently, Oyo State has experienced a rise in security challenges, particularly in rural areas. The state has seen an increase in kidnappings, robberies, and clashes between farmers and herders, which have disrupted peace in local communities. Despite efforts by the government and security agencies to tackle these issues, insecurity remains a pressing concern for both residents and travellers.
When contacted, Adewale Osifeso, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Oyo state Command, debunked the claim.
He said: “No such records, please.”
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The FactCheckHub’s enquiry further prompted the command to come up with a press release signed by the spokesperson which reads :
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to emphatically refute rumors and misleading information making the rounds particularly on Social Media about the death of about (50) fifty persons under mysterious circumstances and a subsequent declaration of a State of Emergency as false and a figment of the author’s imagination.
2. The Command further warns members of the public against the spread of fake and unverified news capable of disrupting the enviable relative tranquility in the State.
3. All Law abiding residents of Oyo State are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses without any fear or molestation as the Command will not renege on its statutory duties of protecting all lives and property.
4.In cases of emergency, the Command can always be reached through these numbers; OYO STATE CALL RESPONSE CENTER TOLL FREE LINE: 615
OYO STATE POLICE COMMAND CONTROL ROOM LINE(S):08081768614, 09054133071 & 09061299291.”
THE VERDICT
The claims that 50 people, including 5 soldiers, were kidnapped in Oyo State and that a state of emergency has been declared in the South West are FALSE; the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Oyo state Command debunked the claim.
Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.
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