Police pledge safe rescue, reject ransom talks in Oyo

A senior police official has assured the public that coordinated efforts are underway to safely rescue over 40 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Adegoke Fayoade, the South-West coordinating officer, gave the assurance on Monday, June 22, during a working visit to the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja.

The abduction occurred on May 15 during coordinated attacks on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men killed a teacher and marched the victims into a forest. The incident has drawn national attention, sparked protests, and renewed calls for enhanced security around schools in vulnerable rural communities.

DIG Fayoade stated that all relevant security agencies and government authorities are working intensively to secure the victims' release. He declined to comment on reports that the abductors had made ransom demands or sought the release of detained associates, emphasizing that the police do not engage in such discussions. "We don't know anything about ransom because we don't talk about ransom," Fayoade said. "All efforts are directed towards getting the abductees freed safely."