The Oyo State Government has dismissed claims made by social media commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) that it paid a ransom to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers, describing the allegation as false.
VeryDarkMan had alleged in a video posted on his Facebook page that the state government paid ransom to the abductors, but claimed the kidnappers still refused to release the victims.
Responding to the claim, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the allegation was completely untrue and should be disregarded by members of the public.
The commissioner described the report as the handiwork of “irresponsible bloggers” spreading false information.
According to the state government, although efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, no ransom has been paid.
The government urged Nigerians to ignore what it described as misleading reports circulating on social media and instead rely on official government channels for verified information.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all the victims.
The state government maintained that every effort is being made to bring the unfortunate incident to a successful conclusion and reunite the abducted pupils and teachers with their families
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