Social media commentator VeryDarkMan has alleged that the Oyo State Government paid a ransom to secure the release of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted by armed kidnappers, but claimed the victims were not released despite the alleged payment.
In a video shared online, VeryDarkMan said he received information suggesting that the kidnappers collected the money but continued to hold the victims captive.
According to him, the abducted children and teachers had spent 49 days in captivity as of the time he made the statement.
He said:
“Yesterday, I got an information that the Oyo State Government paid ransom for the release of the 39 children and 7 teachers that was abducted by bandits. It is said that after the government made the payment, the kidnappers still refused to release the children and teachers. As of today they have spent exactly 49 days in captivity.”
The activist also expressed concern over the prolonged captivity of the victims and urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure their safe release.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies have not confirmed the alleged ransom payment, and the claims made by VeryDarkMan have not been independently verified.
The fate of the abducted pupils and teachers remains a source of concern as security agencies continue operations aimed at securing their rescue.
Watch the video below…
“I received information alleging that the Oyo State Government paid a ransom, but the kidnappers have still refused to release the children and teachers. Today makes it 49 days in captivity.”
— VeryDarkMan. 👀 pic.twitter.com/o2ghSfyxyq
— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) July 3, 2026
