The Oyo State Government has denied reports alleging that it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The government described the claim as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
“No Ransom Was Paid” – Government
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, dismissed the report, insisting it was “far from the truth” and the handiwork of what he described as irresponsible bloggers.
Oyelade stressed that both the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government have been making efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, but no payment was made to the kidnappers.
“Although both the Oyo State and Federal Governments have been making concerted 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,” he said.
He urged members of the public to disregard the report and rely only on verified information from official government sources.
Government Continues Rescue Efforts
The commissioner added that the state government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims and bring an end to the incident.
The denial comes amid reports suggesting that ransom had allegedly been paid to secure the release of the victims.
Background
Recall that on May 15, bandits attacked schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting pupils and teachers.
The coordinated attack also resulted in the death of a teacher.
Efforts by security agencies and government authorities are still ongoing to rescue the abducted victims, who remain in captivity.