The Oyo State Government has denied allegations that it paid a ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, described the claim as false, insisting that neither the state government nor the Federal Government has made any ransom payment to the kidnappers.
According to him, authorities are continuing efforts to rescue the victims through legitimate security operations.
He said:
“Although both the Oyo State and Federal Governments have been making efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted children and their teachers, no ransom has been paid to the bandits, either directly or indirectly.”
The commissioner also urged residents to ignore reports suggesting otherwise, describing them as misleading and capable of causing unnecessary confusion.
He assured the public that the government remains in close collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
The clarification followed claims made by social commentator VeryDarkMan, who alleged that a ransom had been paid but the abductors refused to release the victims.
