Oyo Government Issues Statement On Release Of Abducted Oriire Victims
Written by News Desk on July 10, 2026
The Oyo State Government has confirmed the release of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 55 days in captivity, while describing their freedom as a major breakthrough in the State’s fight against kidnapping.
Commissioner for Information in the State, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, expressed gratitude that the victims regained their freedom.
Prince Oyelade said the successful rescue of the victims underscored the State’s government determination to confront criminality without giving in to ransom demands.
He noted that Governor Makiinde’s administration deliberately resisted pressure to negotiate with the kidnappers through ransom payments, insisting that such an approach would only strengthen criminal networks.
The Commissioner said that the government’s stance reflected Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to implementing lasting security measures rather than pursuing temporary solutions that could encourage further abductions.
He argued that paying ransom would embolden kidnappers, increase their operational capacity, and worsen insecurity in the State, emphasising that the administration remained committed to dismantling criminal activities through coordinated security efforts.
Prince Oyelade noted that the release of the victims demonstrated the effectiveness of the government’s principled and stylistic approaches to addressing insecurity while working closely with security agencies.
The Information Commissioner reaffirmed the State’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property of the people of Oyo State, assuring residents that the government would continue to intensify efforts to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of crime networks across the State.
