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.
The denial was made on Friday in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade.
He described the claim as false and misleading.
He added that the claim was a deliberate attempt by bloggers to create confusion and misinform the public.
It is ‘far from the truth”, he said.
The commissioner stated that efforts were being made by the state and federal government to ensure the safe release of the children and their teachers.
According to him, no ransom has been paid directly or indirectly.
Oyelade urged members of the public to disregard the claim that ransom was paid, and rely on information from governments’ official channels.
The state government, he stated, was working with security agencies to ensure that the abductees were safely released.
It would be recalled that bandits attacked Baptist Nursery/Primary School Yawota, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and the Community Grammar School Esiele in Orire LGA, on May 15.
Teachers and pupils were abducted and taken into the forest.
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