Oyo College Denies Viral Claims — Confirms Campus Is Safe, Not Under Siege

The administration of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (Igboora) has officially denied reports that its campus was under siege. The rumours were sparked by a viral image circulated on social media, purporting to show armed militants at the college gate — a claim the school describes as untrue, misleading and generated by unknown mischief-makers seeking to incite panic.

In a statement released on behalf of the institution’s Public and Alumni Relations office, the authorities urged members of the public — especially students, parents, and host-community residents — to disregard the image and any related posts. They emphasised that the college is neither facing attack nor experiencing any form of siege. According to the statement, the picture was artificially generated and bears no relation to current events at the campus.

School officials pointed out that academic and administrative activities have continued uninterrupted. Lectures are ongoing, and students have attended classes without disruption. As further proof of normal operations, the college highlighted that it recently held its first matriculation ceremony for degree-programme students, welcoming parents and visitors from across the region. The successful event, they noted, underscores the stability and safety of the school environment.

The management also warned that sharing or circulating false images can amount to criminal mischief. They stated that anyone caught propagating the misleading post would face legal consequences. This firm stance aims to deter future misinformation and protect the integrity and reputation of the institution.

The denial comes at a time of heightened national anxiety over repeated reports of abductions, banditry and insecurity targeting schools and communities. For many, such fears are fuelled by social-media rumors and lack of reliable information — a trend some institutions say they must actively counter to prevent unnecessary panic.

Some stakeholders within the academic community welcomed the clarification. Parents whose children attend the college expressed relief upon hearing that the campus remains safe. Local community leaders also urged residents to remain calm and rely only on official communication channels rather than unverified social-media content.

At a time when misinformation spreads rapidly online, the Oyo college’s swift response highlights the importance of verification and credibility. The institution’s message is clear: don’t share everything you see; confirm facts first — a lesson increasingly relevant in Nigeria’s climate of security concerns and public anxiety.