The presidency has debunked claims that President Bola Tinubu has not issued any public statement on the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo State by bandits.
The Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, denied the claim in a statement on his 𝕏 Account on Tuesday.
He assured that Tinubu has not only issued a public statement but is also receiving regular briefings and updates on rescue efforts for the victims.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the clarification followed claims by a netizen, identified as Thepentane_ on 𝕏, who alleged that eleven days after the Oyo incident, President Tinubu has not issued a single statement.
However, Olusegun countered the claim, warning against outright falsehood.
“I understand the very justified anger over the kidnapping of the students but please don’t denigrate to outright falsehood.
“The president has issued a public statement and has been getting briefings on rescue updates on this incident since it begun,” the presidential aide wrote.
Meanwhile, suspected gunmen who abducted students and teachers in Ahoro Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have reportedly opened communication with the state government and demanded ransom.
PrimeTimes Nigeria recalls that the abductors took 39 students and seven teachers during the attack, while teacher Michael Oyedokun was reportedly killed.
Sources who spoke with Vanguard on the development said indirect negotiations were ongoing, but the amount demanded by the kidnappers was being kept secret.
Multiple sources revealed that the kidnappers had reached out and made a ransom demand for the release of the victims.
One of the sources said the details were being handled discreetly.