IBADAN, Nigeria — The principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, in Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has denied reports that the abductors holding her and dozens of other victims are demanding the implementation of Sharia law or a ₦1 billion ransom as conditions for their release.
Speaking in a viral video released on Monday, Alamu appealed to Nigerians not to be misled by what she described as false narratives surrounding the kidnappers’ demands.
She said the captives had been shown media reports claiming the abductors were seeking money, weapons, and the establishment of Sharia law, but insisted those claims were untrue.
According to the principal, the abductors have not compelled the captives to practice Islam or engage in any religious activities.
She maintained that their primary demand is the release of certain individuals currently in government custody and called on authorities to engage in negotiations.
“We have not been forced to worship in any Islamic way,” Alamu said in the video. “They are not asking for Sharia law or money. What they want is for the government to negotiate and discuss the release of some people.”
Her comments come nearly four weeks after coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
On May 15, armed men stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, abducting more than 40 pupils and several teachers.
The victims have remained in captivity since the incident.
The abductions have sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers ordered an industrial action in solidarity with the victims, while protests demanding their release have been held in several locations.
On Monday, hundreds of residents in Ogbomoso staged demonstrations, blocking major highways and roads to press for urgent government action to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Alamu accused authorities of politicising the crisis and pleaded with Nigerians to amplify the plight of those still in captivity.
“Please don’t let the government deceive the whole world,” she said, urging citizens to continue advocating for the safe return of the abductees.
The mass kidnapping has heightened concerns over the spread of school abductions into southwestern Nigeria, a region that had previously experienced fewer such incidents than parts of the country’s north.
Oyo abduction: Kidnapped principal rejects claims of Sharia demand by bandits, urges government negotiation
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