Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal who was abducted alongside 45 students in Oyo State on May 15, has refuted reports claiming that their captors are demanding a ₦1 billion ransom, firearms, and the implementation of Sharia law across Nigeria.
Reports circulating on various online platforms over the weekend alleged that the kidnappers had presented these demands to the Oyo State Government. However, in a video released from captivity, Mrs. Alamu described the claims as false and misleading.
According to her, the abductors have made only one demand: the release of some of their detained members.
Mrs. Alamu appealed to government authorities to focus on securing their freedom rather than allowing misinformation to complicate efforts aimed at resolving the situation.
Speaking in the video, she said: “Today marks the 24th day since we were brought here. It appears that some people are making this situation more complicated than it already is. We were shown reports claiming that our captors demanded the release of certain individuals, ₦1 billion, and the enforcement of Sharia law in Nigeria. These claims are not true and are only creating more problems for us.
“Since we arrived here, we have not been forced to worship in any Islamic way. We have been left alone in that regard. They have not pressured us about religion. They are neither demanding Sharia law nor money.
“The only thing they are asking for is the release of some of their members. I do not understand why these rumours are being spread, as they only make our situation more difficult.”
The abducted principal also urged the authorities to avoid politicising the crisis and to prioritise the safety and release of the victims.
