FG Debunks Viral Photos Of  Kidnapped Oyo Students, Says Viral Photos Are Maltreated Children In Mali, Not Abducted Oyo Pupils

FG has debunked viral photos of kidnapped Oyo students, saying the viral photos are of maltreated children in Mali, not abducted Oyo pupils.

NewsRain Rain Nigeria reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed viral images circulating on social media purportedly showing kidnapped schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing them as misleading and false.

Onanuga said findings by Africa54Research revealed that the images were taken in Mali in June 2020 and depict children who were maltreated by a teacher, not victims of any recent abduction in Nigeria.

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According to him, the photos have been deliberately recirculated and misrepresented to create panic and misinform the public about the situation in Oyo State.

He alleged that those spreading the images are likely sympathisers of terrorist elements seeking to instil fear and undermine public confidence in the government and security agencies.

The presidential aide, however, assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted pupils and their teachers, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring their safe return.

He urged the public to disregard unverified content and avoid sharing misleading material that could escalate tensions or cause unnecessary alarm.

The clarification comes amid heightened concerns over security in parts of the country, with authorities warning against the spread of disinformation during sensitive operations.

Some of the Images being shared as those of the kidnapped schoolkids of Oyo state were of maltreated kids in Mali

Pictures taken in Mali in June 2020, when a teacher flogged his young students, have been shared on social media to make people believe they are the pictures of… pic.twitter.com/gFVhQDqMOv

— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) June 3, 2026