By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has dismissed widespread reports claiming that her abductors are demanding N1 billion ransom and the implementation of Sharia law across Nigeria.
In a video released on Monday from captivity, Alamu, after spending 24 days in the kidnappers’ den, she said the only condition given by her captors for the release of the victims is the release of some of their detained members.
Speaking directly to the camera, the visibly distressed principal said false narratives circulating online and in the media are making their situation more difficult.
“Today makes it 24 days since we have been here, and it seems some people are making our situation more difficult,” Alamu said. “We saw reports claiming our captors demanded the release of some people, N1 billion, and the implementation of Sharia law. These claims are false and are only creating more problems for us.”
Alamu emphasized that throughout their captivity, none of the victims has been forced to adopt Islamic practices, worship in any particular way, or change their religion.
“Since we arrived here, we have not been forced to worship in any Islamic way. They have left us alone in that regard. The only thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people,” she stated.
She appealed to Nigerians to help amplify her message and urged government authorities and security agencies to be transparent about the kidnappers’ actual demands in order to fast-track negotiations and secure the victims’ release.
The principal’s remarks come nearly a month after armed men attacked three schools in Oriire LGA on May 15. The gunmen abducted about 39 students and seven teachers, including Alamu, in one of the most coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo State in recent years.
The mass abduction sparked widespread condemnation nationwide and prompted a two-day protest by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, parents, and civil society groups. Protesters marched in Ibadan, Abuja, and other cities, demanding immediate rescue of the victims and better security for schools.
The incident also generated a heated debate in the Oyo State House of Assembly. On June 3, lawmakers rejected calls for the state government to negotiate directly with the kidnappers.
Adebo Ogundoyin, the speaker of the Assembly, argued that engaging with abductors would encourage future attacks and strengthen criminal networks. “Yielding to their demands could set a dangerous precedent for the state,” he said.
However, Ogundoyin’s comments were later misinterpreted on social media. Clips and posts went viral, claiming the abductors had demanded ransom payments, weapons, and the implementation of Sharia law in exchange for the victims.
Alamu’s latest statement seeks to correct those distortions and reset the narrative around the negotiations. By clarifying that the demand is strictly a prisoner exchange, she hopes to reduce public pressure and misinformation that could derail ongoing rescue efforts.
Security analysts note that misinformation during kidnapping cases often complicates negotiations, inflames public panic, and gives kidnappers leverage. Authorities have not released an official statement confirming or denying Alamu’s claims.
