The Oyo State Government has appealed to journalists and media organisations to exercise caution and discretion in reporting developments surrounding the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, warning that premature disclosure of sensitive information could endanger the lives of the victims.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the safety of the abducted children and teachers remains the government’s highest priority.
According to him, details of ongoing conversations and negotiations with the kidnappers, if made public without careful consideration, could have unintended consequences, including jeopardising efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
Oyelade acknowledged the constitutional role of journalists in informing the public but stressed that the current security situation requires exceptional caution and responsibility.
“As much as it is the right of journalists to know and inform the public accordingly, the current situation is not an everyday challenge and the wrong statement may achieve the very opposite of our objective,” he said.
The commissioner stated that the government has deliberately chosen to remain cautious in its public communication while intensifying efforts behind the scenes to ensure the safe return of those in captivity.
He assured residents that the state government is doing everything within its power to preserve the lives of the victims, while also working to discourage kidnapping and other criminal activities in Oyo State.
Oyelade expressed optimism that the ongoing interventions would soon yield positive results and appealed for patience, cooperation and understanding from members of the public and the media.
