Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State Government has firmly rejected allegations by social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), that it paid a ransom to secure the release of 46 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 3, 2026, by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government described the claim as "far from the truth" and the handiwork of "irresponsible bloggers" spreading false information to mislead the public. "The claim that the Oyo State Government paid ransom to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers is far from the truth," the statement read. "Although the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government 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."
The denial follows a viral video by VDM, in which he alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde had paid a ransom but the kidnappers refused to release the victims. In the video, VDM expressed concern that the victims have now spent 49 days in captivity and that public attention had shifted away from their plight.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area. During the attack, a teacher and a motorcycle rider were killed, while 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken into captivity. The abductees have remained in captivity for over seven weeks, with no confirmed progress on their rescue despite sustained security operations.
The Oyo State Government reiterated its commitment to working closely with security agencies to secure the safe return of the victims. It urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official government channels for information regarding the rescue efforts. The government also warned that misinformation could undermine ongoing security operations.
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