Oyo school principal denies Sharia imposition, N1bn ransom claims

By Abubaker Yunusa

The abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Rachael Alamu, has dismissed reports that her captors are demanding the imposition of Sharia law, payment of N1bn ransom, or the release of weapons before setting them free.
Alamu made the clarification in a distress video circulated on Instagram and Facebook on Monday evening, where she appealed to Nigerians to disregard what she described as misleading claims about the conditions being put forward by the kidnappers.
According to her, rumours being spread about the abductors’ demands were worsening their situation and creating unnecessary complications.
She said, “People are saying that those who abducted us requested the release of some people, demanded one billion naira and asked for Sharia law to be entrenched in the country. That is not true.”
The principal explained that since their abduction, neither she nor others in captivity had been compelled to practise Islam or subjected to any form of religious pressure.
“Since we have been here, we have not been forced to worship in any Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not pressured us on that issue,” she said.
Alamu repeatedly stressed that the kidnappers were not asking for Sharia law, money or weapons.
“They are not asking for Sharia law. They are not asking for money. The simple thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people,” she stated.
She appealed to Nigerians not to politicise the incident, warning that false narratives could jeopardise efforts to secure their freedom.
“Please, we are begging you, do not play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please help us circulate this message. Let it go viral,” she pleaded.
Alamu urged the authorities to engage with the kidnappers and explore possible negotiations over the release of those being requested by the abductors.
“All they want is the release of some of their people. The government can negotiate with them and determine those who may be released,” she added.
The principal also accused some persons of spreading misinformation capable of misleading the public and the international community about the true nature of the kidnappers’ demands.
“Please, Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Help us make this message go viral. Do not allow the government to deceive the whole world,” she said.
The video has since generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts towards securing the safe release of the victims.