State says no money was paid to kidnappers, dismisses viral reports as false and urges residents to rely on official information.
The Oyo State Government has denied reports alleging that it paid ransom to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government described the claim as false, misleading and the handiwork of “irresponsible bloggers” seeking to spread misinformation and create unnecessary panic.
According to the commissioner, both the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government have continued to make coordinated efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims, stressing that no ransom has been paid to the kidnappers either directly or indirectly.
Oyelade urged residents to disregard the reports, insisting that the government remains committed to resolving the security situation through lawful means.
He also advised members of the public to rely only on verified information released through official government channels, warning against the spread of unverified claims capable of misleading the public.