Oyo govt denies paying ransom for abducted pupils, teachers

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has denied reports alleging that it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the claims as false and misleading.

The government made its position known in a statement on Friday signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, in response to comments made by social media influencer and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

Oyelade said the allegation was entirely untrue and accused some bloggers of spreading false information capable of misleading the public and creating unnecessary confusion over the rescue efforts.

He maintained that neither the Oyo State Government nor the Federal Government had paid any ransom to the kidnappers, either directly or indirectly.

The commissioner said both governments had continued to collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and their teachers.

He urged residents and members of the public to disregard the reports and rely only on official information released by the government concerning the incident.

Oyelade reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to securing the safe release of all the victims, assuring residents that every necessary effort was being made to bring the unfortunate incident to a successful conclusion.

He added that the government would continue working with security agencies until the abducted pupils and teachers regain their freedom safely.