Oyo State Government denies paying ransom for abducted school staff

The Oyo State Government has denied claims that it paid ransom to free pupils and teachers taken by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area. The government called the reports false and misleading.

In a statement on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the claim is “far from the truth.” He added that it is a deliberate attempt by “irresponsible bloggers” to confuse the public.

“Both the Oyo State and Federal Governments are working hard 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 the public to ignore these reports and only trust information from official government sources.

The commissioner also stated that the Oyo State Government is collaborating with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abductees and bring this sad situation to an end.

Remember that on May 15, bandits took schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle in Oriire Local Government Area during a well-planned operation. One teacher was killed in the attack.

As of now, the abductees are still in captivity since the incident. Both the state and federal governments, along with security agencies, are increasing efforts to secure their safe release.