The Oyo State Government has denied reports alleging it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the allegation was “far from the truth” and accused “irresponsible bloggers” of spreading misinformation to confuse the public.
“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 to disregard the reports and rely only on information released through official government channels.
Oyelade said the state government was working closely with security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims and bring the incident to an end.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The coordinated attack left one teacher dead.
The abducted pupils and teachers remain in captivity as security agencies, with support from the state and federal governments, continue efforts to secure their release.
