Ibadan, Oyo State – February 22, 2026 – The Management of the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan, has officially dismissed as false the circulating alarm regarding an alleged kidnapping incident within the institution’s campus in Kishi. The College urged parents, students, and the general public to disregard the report, describing it as misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Provost of the College, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi, assured all stakeholders that no such incident occurred. The clarification followed a thorough internal review conducted by the College’s management in collaboration with security personnel.
“The Management clarified that after a thorough internal review and verification with security personnel, it was confirmed that there was no case of kidnapping on the campus,” the statement read.
Commitment to Safety and Security
The College emphasized that the safety and security of students and staff remain a top priority. Immediate steps were taken by relevant security apparatus to investigate the source of the rumor and to strengthen surveillance and monitoring across the campus to prevent future false alarms.
“The Management also confirmed that it has engaged relevant security agencies and reinforced existing security measures to ensure a safe learning environment,” the statement added.
Parents and guardians were urged to remain calm and to verify information through official communication channels of the College before reacting to unverified reports. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure and conducive academic atmosphere for all.
Government Speaks: Spreading False Information is a Cybercrime
Relatedly, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, addressed the incident, explaining that the rumor originated from an unfounded alarm raised by some individuals. This alarm reportedly created fear among students, lecturers, and residents within the institution’s premises.
The Commissioner assured parents, students, and the general public that no kidnapping incident occurred, stressing that the government remains fully committed to maintaining security across the state. He noted that the safety of students and staff in all educational institutions remains a top priority for the government.
Hon. Olayiwola issued a stern warning to those peddling such malicious rumors, urging them to desist immediately. He emphasized that spreading false information online is a serious cybercrime punishable under the law.
A Call for Responsible Information Sharing
This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space, where unverified reports can quickly spiral into public panic. Educational institutions, particularly those housing young and vulnerable students, are especially susceptible to the disruptive effects of such rumors.
The Oyo State College of Nursing’s swift response—combining internal verification, security reinforcement, and public communication—serves as a model for how institutions can effectively counter misinformation while reassuring their communities.
Learning Environment Remains Conducive
The College reiterated that all academic and administrative activities continue normally, with enhanced security measures in place. Students are encouraged to focus on their studies and report any concerns through established official channels.
Parents and guardians who may have been alarmed by the initial reports are now urged to trust the verified information provided by the College and government authorities. The institution remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide timely updates through its official communication platforms.
