The Oyo State Government has refuted reports alleging it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government described the reports as false and misleading, accusing those behind them of spreading misinformation to confuse the public.
Oyelade said both the Oyo State and Federal Governments are actively working to secure the safe release of the victims, stressing that no ransom has been paid, either directly or indirectly.
He urged residents to disregard the reports and rely only on information released through official government channels.
The commissioner added that the state government remains in close collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abductees and bring the incident to a successful conclusion.
