The Oyo State Government has denied claims by social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), that it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the allegation as false and misleading, insisting that no ransom had been paid to the kidnappers, either directly or indirectly.
The government said it is working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims, urging members of the public to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official information.
The clarification follows a viral video in which VDM alleged that the state government had paid ransom but the abductees were yet to be released.
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