Oriire abduction: Oyo govt denies paying ransom to bandits

The Oyo State Government has denied reports claiming payment of ransom was made to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Bandits had, on May 15, 2026, attacked Baptist Nursery/Primary School Yawota, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and the Community Grammar School Esiele in Oriire LGA, and abducted teachers and pupils.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement issued on Friday, July 3, described the allegation as false and midleading.

Oyelade described the claim as “far from the truth” and a deliberate attempt by bloggers to create confusion and misinform the public.

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He said the state and federal governments have been making concerted efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted children and their teachers and no ransom has been paid to the bandits, either directly or indirectly.

The commissioner urged Nigerians to disregard the reports and rely only on information released through official government channels.

Oyelade said the Oyo State Government was working closely with security agencies to ensure safe release of the abductees and bring the event to a close.