Oyo abduction: ‘Why we refused to pay ransom’ – Tinubu
Tinubu Explains Government’s Ransom Policy Following School Abduction in Oyo
President Bola Tinubu has clarified the Federal Government’s decision not to pay ransom for the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
During a meeting with Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadan, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu highlighted the government’s understanding of the local geography, which he deemed crucial in their response to the situation.
The schoolchildren and teachers were taken hostage in May when armed bandits attacked their schools. After 56 days in captivity, security operatives successfully rescued the victims, as announced by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
In his remarks to the monarch, Tinubu stated, “We refused to pay ransom for the release of the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers because we know the geography of the forest.” He further emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing security measures, noting an increase in military divisions from eight to twelve, aimed at improving response times against terrorism and banditry.
