President Bola Tinubu has firmly denied allegations that the Nigerian government paid a ransom to secure the release of students and teachers kidnapped from Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) in Oyo state. The president made the denial on Thursday, July 30, during a meeting with Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and his council at the presidential villa in Abuja.
President Commends Military, Denies Ransom Payment
Tinubu said: "Congratulations on the Oriire Oyo state rescue that succeeded. I think we succeeded with your support and prayers. And I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance." He continued: "We refused to pay ransom; we have the geography of the forest (the expansive Old Oyo National Park). We know what it is." The president also announced plans to expand the military from eight to twelve divisions to shorten response times against terrorism and banditry.
Background: The Oriire Kidnapping Ordeal
On May 15, armed terrorists attacked three schools in the Yawota, Ahoro-Esiele, and Alawusa communities of Oriire LGA, seizing dozens of pupils and teachers. The 39 pupils and five surviving teachers were freed in early July after spending 56 days in captivity. Two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and John Olaleye, were killed during the ordeal. Before the release, the Department of State Services (DSS) revealed that the kidnappers demanded the release of two Ansaru terrorist leaders—Mahmud Muhammad (alias Abu Bara'a) and Abubakar Abbas—as a condition for freeing the hostages.
Public Skepticism and Allegations
Following the hostages' release, critics questioned the government's description of the outcome as a "rescue", alleging that a ransom had been paid. The allegation gained momentum when Zacchaeus Olatunde, one of the rescued teachers, claimed that the captives were released by their abductors before security personnel escorted them home. Tinubu's remarks at the presidential villa appear to be a direct response to these allegations.
Broader Security Challenges
Tinubu's announcement of military expansion from eight to twelve divisions is part of a broader effort to strengthen the fight against terrorism and banditry. Meanwhile, a report by the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition revealed that between 2023 and 2025, armed groups, criminal kidnappers, and jihadist fighters abducted 91 health workers and killed 15 others across 101 separate attacks on Nigerian healthcare facilities. The 'Care in the Crosshairs' report compiled data using Insecurity Insight's global monitoring system.
