Abducted Oyo Principal Denies N1bn Ransom, Sharia Demands by Kidnappers

IBADAN, Nigeria — Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has dismissed reports claiming that the gunmen holding schoolchildren and teachers captive are demanding a N1 billion ransom or the implementation of Sharia law.

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

The principal, who has spent over three weeks in captivity, accused some individuals of spreading misinformation that could further complicate efforts to secure the release of the abductees.

“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,” she said.

“We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people who abducted us requested the release of some people, they requested one billion naira, and they requested for Sharia to be entrenched in the country; these are not true. They are just trying to create problems for us.”

‘They Are Not Demanding Money or Sharia’

Alamu said neither she nor the other captives had been forced to practice Islam or worship in any particular way 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,” she said.

“The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people.

“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.”

The abduction occurred on May 15 when suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping about 39 students and seven teachers.

The incident triggered widespread outrage across the country and prompted a two-day nationwide protest by members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders demanding the victims’ release.

Assembly Rejects Negotiation With Kidnappers

The latest video comes days after the Oyo State House of Assembly rejected calls for the government to negotiate with the kidnappers.

During plenary on June 3, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin warned that negotiating with criminal groups could embolden them and encourage further attacks.

“If it were up to you, would you negotiate with terrorists? If they asked for weapons, money, or concessions of future laws of this land as part of their ransom, if you were the governor, would you accept that?” Ogundoyin asked.

“We don’t know the details. So, please, let’s be sensitive and calm. The more you negotiate with these people, the more you embolden them.”

The speaker’s remarks subsequently sparked a wave of misinformation on social media, including claims that the kidnappers were demanding a huge ransom and the adoption of Sharia law.

Security agencies have continued efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, while authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could jeopardise ongoing rescue operations.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.