Governor Makinde Breaks Silence: No Ransom Paid for Abducted Oyo Students

The Oyo State Government has vehemently denied reports circulating that a ransom was paid to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by bandits in the Oriire Local Government Area. Governor Seyi Makinde, through a statement issued by Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade on Friday, described these claims as false and urged the public to disregard them, emphasizing that neither the state nor the Federal Government has paid any ransom to the abductors.

Commissioner Oyelade clarified that while both the Oyo State and Federal Governments are actively working towards the safe release of the kidnapped children and their teachers, no ransom has been disbursed, whether directly or indirectly. The government stated that the online reports were designed to misinform the public and sow confusion, advising residents to trust only information released through official government channels. Oyelade further confirmed that the state government is collaborating with security agencies to ensure the safe return of all abductees.

This official reaction from the Oyo State Government came in response to allegations made on social media by activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan. Otse had claimed that a ransom was indeed paid but that the bandits refused to release their victims. The abduction incident itself occurred on May 15, when armed individuals attacked three schools in the communities of Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle within the Oriire Local Government Area. During the attack, several pupils and teachers were forcibly taken, and tragically, one teacher was killed. As of now, the abductees remain in captivity, with security agencies continuing their efforts to secure their release.