Oyo Government denies paying ₦50million as ransom for released hostages from The Apostolic Church Grammar School The Oyo State government yesterday dispelled media reports that N50million was paid as ransom for the release of students, teachers and staff of the Apostolic Church Grammar School, Otu, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the reports as fallacious and capable of diverting public attention from the concerted efforts of security agents in the release of the victims.
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It was on record that some armed men had invaded the school and abducted the students, teachers and staff during the early morning hours of Monday, January 29, creating fear and panic in and around the community.
However, the victims regained their freedom on Friday, January 26, after a relentless joint security operations by men of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other local vigilance groups who were aided by valuable information from members of the community.
Oyelade expressed his unreserved admiration for the gallantry, resilience and professionalism of the security agents who put their lives on the line for the actualization of the operation, noting that all measures taken to secure the lives of the victims were coordinated and professionally executed.
“It has come to our notice, the reports of payments of ransom in the region of 50 million to the kidnappers of students and staff of the Apostolic Church Grammar School, Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government area.
This report is not just false, but it’s wickedly untrue and capable of diverting public attention away from the massive security effort that led to the safe release of our dear students and their tutors. “Let it be clear, not a kobo was paid to the kidnappers.
We worked round the clock, and the entire Oyo State security apparatus – Nigerian Army, Police, NSCDC and even members of our community – worked tirelessly with the Governor and I, to ensure we rescue our students and their teachers unhurt.”
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The Commissioner warned against the spread of fake news, especially on critical matters of security, stating that such claims by the rumour mongers were to ridicule the successful operation and could further encourage criminal elements to continue their menace and exploit the situation. “I warn against this trend.
The state government will do everything to shield its citizens and any fake story which aimed at jeopardizing the operations of our security agents or bringing their hard work into disrepute would be met with the seriousness it deserves,” Oyelade stated.
He pledged the readiness of the Governor Makinde administration to protect all the lives and properties within the state and stressed that the government was committed to beefing up security across all educational facilities in the state as well as liaising closely with security agencies.
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“We shall remain resolute to work in hand in hand with the Federal security agencies, the Nigerian Army inclusive to make sure Oyo state is secure and no such incidents will occur,” he added. Security agencies investigating the incident to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators have arrested five suspects so far, it was gathered.
