The Oyo State Government has denied reports alleging that it paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.

The government insisted that no ransom had been paid, either directly or indirectly, to the kidnappers, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies and authorities to secure the safe release of the victims.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday, dismissing the reports as the handiwork of “irresponsible bloggers” spreading false information.

According to him, both the Oyo State and Federal Governments have continued to work closely with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.

“Although both the Oyo State and Federal Governments have been making concerted efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted children and their teachers, no ransom has been paid to the bandits, either directly or indirectly,” Oyelade said.

He urged residents and members of the public to disregard the reports and rely solely on information released through official government channels.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the release of the victims and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.

“The government is working closely with relevant security agencies to ensure the safe release of the abductees and bring the unfortunate incident to a successful conclusion,” he added.

The denial follows widespread reports alleging that ransom had been paid to the kidnappers to facilitate the release of the victims.

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area in a coordinated assault that also claimed the life of a teacher.

The incident sparked widespread concern across the state and prompted intensified security operations, as well as renewed calls for stronger measures to protect schools and rural communities from criminal attacks.

Despite ongoing rescue efforts by the state and federal governments in collaboration with security agencies, the abducted pupils and teachers remain in captivity. Authorities have assured residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure their safe return while investigations and security operations continue.