Fresh details have emerged from the captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, with the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Rachael Alamu, dismissing reports that their captors are demanding a ₦1 billion ransom or the implementation of Sharia law.
In a video released on Monday, Alamu said the claims circulating on social media and in some media reports are false and only worsen the situation facing those being held.
The principal, who was kidnapped alongside students and other teachers during an attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, said the abductors have communicated only one demand since the victims were taken nearly a month ago.
“Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are already making our problem more complicated,” Alamu said in the video.
She explained that reports suggesting the kidnappers requested ₦1 billion, weapons, or the introduction of Sharia law across the country do not reflect the reality of their situation. According to her, the abductors are only seeking the release of some individuals currently in government custody.
Alamu also rejected claims that the victims have been subjected to religious pressure while in captivity. She said neither the students nor the teachers have been forced to adopt Islamic practices or worship in any particular manner since their abduction.
“We have been here, and since then, we have not been forced to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone; they have not troubled us concerning that. The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people,” she stated.
Appealing directly to Nigerians, the principal urged the public to share the video widely and avoid spreading unverified information that could complicate rescue efforts.
“Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Help us make this go viral. Don’t let the government deceive the whole world. They are not asking for Sharia, money, and weapons. All they want is the release of some of their people,” she added.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, kidnapping about 39 students and seven teachers. The incident sparked outrage across the country and led to protests by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other concerned groups demanding urgent action.
The controversy deepened after the Oyo State House of Assembly rejected calls for negotiations with the kidnappers. During a plenary session on June 3, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin warned that negotiating with criminal groups could encourage more abductions and strengthen terrorist networks.
His comments were later followed by a wave of misinformation online, including claims that the kidnappers were demanding money, weapons and the enforcement of Sharia law—claims now publicly disputed by one of the victims in captivity.
