An abducted school principal in Oyo State has dismissed reports that her captors are demanding the imposition of Sharia law, clarifying instead that the group is seeking the release of certain individuals as a condition for freedom.
The victim, Mrs Rachael Alamu, who heads Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, made the clarification in a video message circulated online after spending over three weeks in captivity following a mass abduction in Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking from the hideout, she appealed to Nigerians to disregard claims linking the kidnappers’ demands to religion or financial ransom, describing such reports as misleading and potentially dangerous.
According to her, the abductors have neither forced the captives to adopt any religious practices nor requested monetary payment, contrary to widespread speculation.
She stated that the only demand communicated to them involves the release of some individuals, urging authorities to engage the kidnappers in dialogue to secure their freedom.
The abduction, which occurred in mid-May, involved more than 40 pupils and teachers from multiple schools in the area and has since triggered protests and industrial action by education stakeholders.
Residents of Ogbomoso have repeatedly staged demonstrations, calling on both state and federal authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims, as concerns mount over their prolonged captivity.
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