Kidnappers want detained members freed, not Sharia law, N1bn ransom — Abducted Oyo principal

Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has dismissed reports claiming that the kidnappers holding her and other victims are demanding N1 billion ransom and the implementation of Sharia law.

In a video released on Monday from captivity, Alamu said the abductors’ only demand is the release of some of their members currently in custody.

She warned that the spread of misinformation about the kidnappers’ demands could further complicate efforts to secure the release of the victims.

According to her, the abductors have neither requested money nor sought the introduction of Sharia law in Nigeria. She also stated that throughout their captivity, the victims have not been forced to adopt Islamic practices or worship in any particular way.

“Today makes it 24 days since we have been here, and it seems some people are making our situation more difficult,” Alamu said in the video.

“We saw reports claiming our captors demanded the release of some people, N1 billion, and the implementation of Sharia law. These claims are false and are only creating more problems for us.

“Since we arrived here, we have not been forced to worship in any Islamic way. They have left us alone in that regard. The only thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people.”

She appealed to Nigerians to help amplify her message and urged authorities to be transparent about the kidnappers’ actual demands.

The principal’s remarks come nearly a month after armed men attacked three schools in Oriire LGA on May 15, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation and prompted a two-day nationwide protest by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders demanding the victims’ rescue.

The issue also generated debate in the Oyo State House of Assembly. On June 3, lawmakers rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with the kidnappers, arguing that doing so could encourage future abductions and strengthen criminal networks.

Speaker of the Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, cautioned against engaging with kidnappers, noting that yielding to their demands could set a dangerous precedent.

His comments, however, were later misinterpreted on social media, fueling claims that the abductors had demanded ransom payments, weapons and the implementation of Sharia law.

Alamu’s latest statement seeks to correct those reports, insisting that the kidnappers are solely seeking the release of detained associates.