The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, and the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, on Friday, July 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, firmly denied allegations that ransom was paid to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that ongoing rescue efforts remain strictly coordinated with security agencies.

The clarification follows reports circulating on social media and online platforms suggesting that the state had engaged in negotiations and made payments to armed abductors to secure the freedom of victims taken during a recent school attack.

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The government described the claims as inaccurate and potentially harmful to sensitive security operations.

Dotun Oyelade said the Oyo State Government remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted children and their teachers, stressing that no financial settlement had been made at any stage of the operation.

“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 stated.

The abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, involved armed attackers who reportedly stormed schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in a coordinated raid that left one teacher dead and several pupils and staff taken away.

The incident has heightened concerns over security in parts of the state, particularly within rural school communities.

Government officials said security agencies have continued search-and-rescue operations in collaboration with federal counterparts, although they did not disclose operational details due to the sensitive nature of the mission.

Oyelade urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official communication channels, warning that misinformation could undermine rescue efforts.

The commissioner added, “We are working closely with all relevant security agencies to ensure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers. It is important that the public remains calm and avoids spreading information that could jeopardise ongoing operations.”

Despite repeated assurances, anxiety remains high among residents of the affected communities, with families of the abducted victims continuing to call for swift and decisive action from authorities.

The Oyo State Government reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and strengthening security across vulnerable areas, while also pledging accountability in handling the crisis once rescue operations are concluded.

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The development underscores the growing challenge of misinformation during sensitive security incidents in Nigeria, where conflicting reports often circulate rapidly across digital platforms, complicating official communication efforts.