The principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Oyo State, Rachael Alamu, has broken her silence from captivity, dismissing widespread reports that the gunmen holding her and other victims are demanding ₦1 billion ransom or the implementation of Sharia law.
In a newly released video, the abducted principal said the claims circulating online and in some media reports are false and only making the situation more difficult for those being held.
According to Alamu, the kidnappers have only one demand — the release of some of their members currently in government custody.
“Today makes it the 24th day that we have been here, and some people are already making our problem more complicated,” she said.
The principal stressed that neither she nor the other abductees had been pressured to abandon their faith or participate in any religious practices against their will.
“We have been here since then, and nobody has forced us to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that,” she explained.
She also rejected reports claiming the abductors demanded a huge ransom payment.
“The stories that they asked for one billion naira, Sharia law, or weapons are not true. The only thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people,” Alamu stated.
In an emotional appeal, she called on Nigerians to help amplify her message and ensure the truth reaches the public.
“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 or weapons. All they want is the release of some of their people,” she said.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, kidnapping dozens of students and teachers.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage and protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders demanding urgent action from authorities.
Earlier this month, the Oyo State House of Assembly rejected suggestions that the government should negotiate with the kidnappers.
Speaking during plenary, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin warned that making concessions to criminal groups could encourage more abductions and strengthen their operations.
“The more you negotiate with these people, the more you embolden them,” the Speaker said.
His remarks later fueled speculation online, with several false claims emerging about the kidnappers’ demands — claims now directly challenged by the abducted principal herself.
As concerns grow over the safety of the victims, many Nigerians are calling for intensified rescue efforts to secure their freedom after more than three weeks in captivity.
