The Oyo State Government has dismissed reports alleging that it paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The state government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said no payment had been made to the abductors either directly or through any intermediary.
Oyelade described the reports as baseless, accusing unnamed bloggers of spreading misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic among residents.
He stated that both the Oyo State and Federal Governments had continued to work with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victims without resorting to ransom payments.
According to him, ongoing efforts are focused on securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers while bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.
The commissioner urged residents to ignore unverified reports and rely only on official government channels for credible information regarding the incident.
Gunmen had on May 15 attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting several pupils and teachers during the coordinated assault.
The attack also claimed the life of a teacher, while the victims have remained in captivity since the incident.
Authorities said security agencies, with the support of both the state and federal governments, are intensifying operations aimed at rescuing the abductees safely and ending the crisis.