KEY POINTS
• Principal says kidnappers only want detained gang members released
• Claims of N1bn ransom and Sharia demands described as false
• Oyo Assembly warns against negotiating with kidnappers
The principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Rachael Alamu, has dismissed reports claiming that the kidnappers holding her, several teachers, and students are demanding a N1 billion ransom or the implementation of Sharia law as conditions for their release.
In a fresh video message released on Monday, Alamu said the information circulating in some sections of the media and on social media is inaccurate and could worsen the situation of those still being held captive.
Alamu, who has been in captivity for over three weeks, said the abductors have made only one demand since the victims were taken away. According to her, the kidnappers want some of their members currently in government custody to be released.
She explained that reports suggesting the kidnappers were demanding money, weapons, or changes to Nigeria’s legal system were untrue.
According to the principal, such claims could complicate efforts to secure the safe release of the victims and create unnecessary tension around the incident.
She noted that the abductors had not forced the victims to adopt any religious practices since their abduction and had not compelled them to worship in any particular way.
False Claims Creating More Problems
Speaking in the video, Alamu appealed to Nigerians to help spread the correct information, insisting that the public should not be misled by false reports.
She said the victims had been shown newspaper reports alleging that the kidnappers were demanding a N1 billion ransom and the establishment of Sharia law in the country. However, she maintained that those reports did not reflect the reality of the situation.
The principal stressed that the only request repeatedly made by the kidnappers was the release of some of their associates currently being detained.
She urged citizens to continue advocating for their freedom while ensuring that misinformation does not further endanger those being held.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
During the attack, about 39 students and seven teachers were reportedly kidnapped, sparking widespread concern across the country.
The incident generated strong reactions from education stakeholders, labour groups, and civil society organisations. Members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) staged nationwide protests for two days, demanding urgent government intervention and the safe rescue of the victims.
Amid growing pressure on the government to secure the release of the abducted students and teachers, the Oyo State House of Assembly recently rejected suggestions that authorities should negotiate directly with the kidnappers.
During a plenary session on June 3, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin argued that negotiating with criminal groups could encourage future kidnappings and strengthen their operations.
The Speaker maintained that giving in to kidnappers’ demands could embolden other criminal networks and make communities more vulnerable to similar attacks.
He also urged the public to remain calm, noting that many details surrounding the case were not yet publicly known.