The Oyo State Government has denied reports claiming it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area. It described the allegation as false and misleading.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, on Friday, the government described the claim as “far from the truth” and a deliberate attempt by “irresponsible bloggers” to create confusion and misinform 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 members of the public to disregard the reports and rely only on information released through official government channels.
