Oyo Govt Confirms Release Of Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers, Claims No Ransom Was Paid

The Oyo State Government has welcomed the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the development as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping.

Naija News had earlier reported that the victims regained their freedom about eight weeks after gunmen attacked the schools and took dozens of pupils and teachers into captivity.

The government said their safe return justified its decision not to pay ransom to the kidnappers despite pressure to secure a quick release.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government expressed relief over the development and thanked those who contributed to efforts to bring the victims home.

“We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity,” Oyelade said.

The commissioner described the abduction as a major test of the resolve of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to confront criminality without strengthening kidnapping networks.

According to him, the government came under intense pressure to adopt what he described as a “quick-fix” approach by paying ransom for the victims’ release.

He said the administration rejected the option because ransom payments could encourage further attacks and provide additional resources to criminal groups.

Oyelade maintained that the state government instead relied on a coordinated and sustainable security strategy to secure the victims’ freedom.

He said the decision demonstrated courage and responsible leadership in the face of a difficult security challenge.

The commissioner argued that handing money to kidnappers would have emboldened the gang and encouraged other criminal groups to target schools and communities.

He said the Makinde administration remained determined to tackle insecurity through measures that would weaken criminal networks rather than reward them.

According to him, the government’s approach was designed to protect residents in the long term and discourage kidnapping syndicates from viewing the state as a profitable operational base.

The government described the victims’ release as a victory for its decision to pursue what it called pragmatic and principled measures.

Oyelade reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

He said the administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies to tackle kidnapping, armed attacks and other violent crimes.

The commissioner assured residents that efforts to rid Oyo State of criminal elements would be intensified, adding that the government would not relent in strengthening security across vulnerable communities.