Concerned sons and daughters of Ago-Are in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State have strongly rejected reports linking a suspect arrested in connection with the recent Ahoro-Esiele school abduction investigation to their community.
In a statement issued on behalf of the community, residents described as false and misleading claims circulating on social media and other platforms alleging that Rafiu Abdulmajeed, one of the individuals reportedly arrested during investigations into the school abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area, is an indigene of Ago-Are.
The community said the clarification became necessary to protect its reputation and prevent the spread of misinformation capable of creating negative perceptions about the town.
“We wish to categorically, unequivocally, and firmly state that Rafiu Abdulmajeed is not an indigene of Ago-Are,” the statement read.
According to the community, available reports on the ongoing investigation have identified the suspect among persons traced to the Gbugbu axis of Kwara State, contrary to claims associating him with Ago-Are.
The statement expressed concern that unverified information was being circulated without proper fact-checking, warning that such actions could unfairly stigmatize innocent communities.
“Ago-Are is a peaceful, law-abiding and progressive community with a longstanding reputation for hospitality, communal harmony and respect for constituted authority,” the statement said. “It is therefore both unfair and irresponsible for anyone to attempt to stigmatize the community based on unverified claims and assumptions.”
The community commended the efforts of the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies involved in the investigation of the school abduction case, pledging continued support for lawful measures aimed at bringing those responsible to justice.
“We support every lawful effort aimed at bringing all perpetrators, collaborators, sponsors and accomplices of criminal activities to justice, irrespective of their background, ethnicity, religion or place of origin,” the statement added.
While urging security agencies to continue their work without interference, the group also called on journalists, bloggers and social media commentators to uphold professional standards by verifying facts before publication.
The community further appealed to individuals and organizations that may have published reports identifying Abdulmajeed as an indigene of Ago-Are to issue corrections.
“We therefore call on all concerned parties to desist from spreading false narratives and to immediately correct any publication or statement that wrongly identifies Rafiu Abdulmajeed as an indigene of Ago-Are,” the statement said.
The residents maintained that the integrity and reputation of the community should not suffer because of misinformation, reiterating their commitment to promoting peace, security and justice across Oyo State and beyond.