President Bola Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government refused to pay ransom to the terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying security agencies understood the terrain where the victims were held.

Tinubu said this on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja.

He commended the armed forces for securing the release of the abducted victims and said the successful operation was achieved through the support of the traditional institution and improved security coordination.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s policy against paying ransom to criminal groups, saying that intelligence and knowledge of the forest environment informed the government’s approach.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing state police, saying safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse.

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