Oyo Govt Denies Paying Ransom For Abducted Pupils, Teachers

The Oyo State Government has denied reports claiming that it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The government described the allegation as false, misleading and capable of creating confusion among members of the public.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government said the claim was “far from the truth” and blamed what it called “irresponsible bloggers” for spreading the report.

Oyelade said both the Oyo State and Federal Governments had been making efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, but insisted that no ransom had been paid.

“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,” Oyelade said.

He urged residents and members of the public to disregard the reports and rely only on information released through official government channels.

The commissioner said the state government was working closely with security agencies to secure the safe release of the abductees and bring the incident to an end.

The denial followed reports that ransom had allegedly been paid to the kidnappers.

Naija News recalls that some bandits had, on May 15, abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The coordinated attack also claimed the life of a teacher.

The abductees remain in captivity as the state and federal governments, alongside security agencies, continue efforts to secure their release.