Tinubu Explains No Ransom Paid for Oriire Schoolchildren

President Bola Tinubu stated that the Federal Government did not pay ransom for the release of the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers, who were abducted in May 2023, because security agencies had a comprehensive understanding of the forest where the victims were held. The President made these remarks on Thursday while receiving the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The victims spent 56 days in captivity before being rescued by security operatives. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that no ransom was paid.

Tinubu emphasized that the decision was based on the government's knowledge of the terrain and announced plans to strengthen the security structure by increasing military divisions from 8 to 12 to enhance response times against terrorism and banditry. Additionally, three men were convicted for their involvement in the kidnapping, admitting to charges related to concealment of information and terrorist activities.