Oyo Govt Confirms Release of Abducted Oriire Pupils, Teachers, Reaffirms No-Ransom Policy

The Oyo State Government has confirmed the release of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their freedom as a triumph of resilience, coordinated security efforts and principled leadership.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who expressed gratitude that the victims had regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.

“We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity,” the statement read.

The government said the successful release tested its resolve in confronting criminal elements, maintaining that it resisted pressure to pay ransom despite calls for what it described as a “quick-fix” solution.

According to Oyelade, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration deliberately rejected the option of paying ransom, arguing that such payments would only embolden kidnappers and strengthen their criminal operations.

He said the administration’s stance reflected its commitment to pursuing lasting solutions to insecurity through collaboration with security agencies rather than measures that could encourage further acts of kidnapping and banditry.

The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents, adding that efforts to eliminate kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State would continue.

The release of the abducted pupils and teachers follows weeks of anxiety after they were taken by armed men in Oriire Local Government Area, with authorities yet to disclose details of the rescue operation.