The abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has released another emotional video from captivity, denying reports that the kidnappers demanded the enforcement of Sharia law or ransom for the release of the kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers.
Alamu, who spoke in a viral video on Monday, appealed to Nigerians to help circulate her message and urged authorities not to politicise the abduction crisis.
More than 40 pupils and teachers were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attacks, which occurred around 9:30 a.m., triggered widespread concern across Oyo State and renewed fears over the growing insecurity targeting schools.
Speaking from the kidnappers’ hideout, Alamu said the victims had spent 24 days in captivity and accused politicians of complicating efforts to secure their freedom through misinformation.
According to her, reports claiming the abductors demanded N1 billion ransom, weapons, or the institutionalisation of Sharia law in Oyo State were false.
“Good day, everyone. Please, I have come to make some clarifications. Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place. And it seems that some people are making our problems more complicated already,” she said.
She explained that the abductors had neither compelled the victims to practise Islam nor subjected them to religious pressure.
“We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people who abducted us requested the release of some people. They requested N1 billion; they requested that Sharia law be enshrined in the country.
“These are not true. They are just trying to create problems for us. We have been here since, and we have not been forced to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that,” Alamu stated.
The principal insisted that the kidnappers’ only demand was the release of some detained individuals, urging the government to open negotiations instead of spreading what she described as misleading narratives.
“They are not asking for Sharia law; they are not asking for money. The single thing they are looking for is the release of some of their people. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make it complicated for us,” she added.
Alamu repeatedly appealed to Nigerians to amplify the video message, stressing that the lives of the abducted pupils and teachers should not become victims of political interests.
“Please, we are begging you, please, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please help us to circulate this, let it go viral.
“They are not asking for Sharia law. It’s not true. They are not asking for weapons; they are not asking for money. All they want is the release of some people. And the government should negotiate with them and know what they will release for them,” she said.
The latest video has intensified public concern over the prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren and teachers, while also raising fresh questions about the handling of negotiations and official communication surrounding the abduction.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government and security agencies had yet to officially respond to the latest claims made by the abducted principal.
