The principal of Community High School, Ahoro Esinele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has dismissed reports alleging that her abductors demanded a ₦1 billion ransom or the implementation of Shariah law as conditions for their release.
Mrs. Alamu, who remains in captivity alongside 31 others, described the claims as false and warned that such reports could further complicate ongoing efforts to secure their freedom. In a recent video circulating online, the visibly distressed school principal appealed to both the Federal Government and Nigerians to disregard what she called misleading information capable of worsening their situation.
According to her, some media reports had alleged that the abductors were demanding the release of certain individuals, the payment of ₦1 billion, and the entrenchment of Shariah law in the country. She insisted that none of those claims reflected the reality of their ordeal.
“Please, it seems that some people are making the problems complicated already. We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people who abducted us requested the release of some people, one billion naira, and that Shariah be entrenched in the country. These are not true. They are just trying to create problems for us,” she said.
Mrs. Alamu further stated that neither she nor the other captives had been forced to practise Islam, adding that the abductors had not made any financial demands.
She explained that the only request made by their captors was the release of some of their members. The school principal urged the authorities to commence negotiations without delay in the interest of saving lives.
“They are not asking for Shariah law, they’re not asking for money, nor are they asking for ₦1 billion. The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people.
“Please, help us beg the government to negotiate with them. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make it complicated for us,” she added.
Appealing directly to Nigerians, Mrs. Alamu asked citizens to help amplify her message and called on leaders not to allow political interests to interfere with efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.
“Please, we are just begging you, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please help us to circulate this, let it go viral,” she pleaded.
Her latest appeal comes amid widespread reports over the past week suggesting that the abductors had demanded the adoption of Shariah law as a condition for freeing those in captivity.
Mrs. Alamu and 31 others, including students and members of staff, were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m. when armed men attacked several schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were taken from Community High School, Ahoro Esinele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.
In an earlier video released from captivity, Mrs. Alamu had appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and well meaning Nigerians to intervene and facilitate their release. Her identity was later confirmed by her husband, Professor Wole Alamu.
Another teacher identified as Temitope was also seen in one of the videos carrying a baby. Meanwhile, Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers abducted during the attack, was reportedly killed a few days after the incident, further deepening concerns over the safety of those still being held.
