Social media commentator VeryDarkMan has alleged that the Oyo State Government paid a ransom in an effort to secure the release of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted by armed kidnappers, but claimed the victims remain in captivity despite the alleged payment.
According to VeryDarkman, he received information indicating that the government made the payment to the kidnappers. However, he alleged that the abductors refused to release the victims after collecting the money.
He further claimed that, as of July 3, 2026, the abducted children and teachers had spent 49 days in captivity, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
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In a video shared to his official Instagram page, he said
” Yesterday, I got information that the Oyo State Government paid ransom for the release of the 39 children and seven teachers that were abducted by bandits. It is said that after the government made the payment, the kidnappers still refused to release the children and teachers. As of today, they have spent exactly 49 days in captivity.”»
The allegations have not been independently verified. At the time of reporting, the Oyo State Government and security agencies had not publicly confirmed that any ransom was paid or verified the claims made by the social media commentator.
Authorities have continued efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims, while concern remains high among families and the public over their prolonged captivity.
