Oyo college debunks viral picture, says campus not under siege

The management of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, has dismissed a viral Artificial Intelligence-generated image circulating online purporting to show militants at the institution’s entrance.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Deputy Registrar, Public and Alumni Relations, Opeyemi Olawore, the institution described the picture as false, misleading and capable of inciting unnecessary panic among students, parents and residents of the host community.

The management urged the public to disregard what it called a “false and cruel post” circulated by “mischief makers whose motives are unknown,” stressing that the college is neither under attack nor under any form of siege by militants or bandits.

According to the institution, academic and administrative activities have continued unhindered, with students attending lectures and performing their normal duties.

The statement also noted that the institution recently held its first-ever matriculation ceremony for degree programmes on Friday, which attracted parents and visitors from within and outside Oyo State, further evidence that the campus remains peaceful.

“Members of the public are hereby notified to desist from circulating any false AI-generated picture that is misleading about the institution, as anyone caught will surely be made to face the wrath of the law,” the statement added.

Online reports that concerns about school safety have heightened in recent weeks following fresh incidents of abductions across parts of the country.

Earlier this month, dozens of worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State were released after days in captivity, sparking renewed debate over rising insecurity.

Similarly, in Kebbi State, pupils abducted from their schools were freed after negotiations, adding to a series of school-related abductions that have put communities on edge.

These incidents have prompted some Northern states and school authorities to review safety measures and, in some cases, temporarily close vulnerable schools to protect students.

In this climate of heightened anxiety, institutions like OYSCATECH have had to address misinformation and false alarms, such as AI-generated images depicting attacks, to prevent unnecessary panic among students, parents and the wider public.