By Joy Yesufu
The Oyo State Government has dismissed 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, misleading and unfounded.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said neither the state government nor the Federal Government had paid ransom to the abductors, either directly or indirectly.
He described the reports as a deliberate attempt by “irresponsible bloggers” to mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.
“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 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 ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, while efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack continued.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area during a coordinated operation.
The attack reportedly claimed the life of a teacher, while several pupils and other school personnel were taken hostage.
The abductees remain in captivity as security agencies, in collaboration with the Oyo State and Federal Governments, continue efforts to secure their safe release and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
