Oyo dismisses ransom payment claims over school abduction

The Oyo State Government has firmly denied allegations that it paid ransom to bandits for the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area. The government has labeled these reports as false and misleading, asserting they are a deliberate attempt by "irresponsible bloggers" to confuse and misinform the public.

In a statement released on Friday, Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade described the claims as "far from the truth." He reiterated that while both the Oyo State and Federal Governments are making concerted efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals, no ransom has been paid, either directly or indirectly, to the bandits.

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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 urged the public to disregard such reports and to rely solely on information disseminated through official government channels. He assured that the Oyo State Government is collaborating closely with security agencies to achieve the safe release of the abductees and bring the unfortunate event to a close.

Recall that on May 15, schoolchildren and teachers were abducted from three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle, Oriire Local Government Area, during a coordinated operation that resulted in the death of one teacher. The abductees remain in captivity as state and federal governments, along with security agencies, intensify efforts to secure their safe release.

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far from the truth