Kidnapped Oyo Principal Rejects Sharia Claim
The abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, has denied reports that the kidnappers holding her and dozens of pupils and teachers are demanding the implementation of Sharia law in exchange for their freedom.
In a video released from captivity and circulated on Monday, Alamu appealed to Nigerians to disregard the claim, describing it as false and capable of worsening their situation.
The principal, who has spent more than three weeks in captivity, said the abductors had not demanded money, weapons or the adoption of Sharia law.
Read more: Oyo Assembly pushes security overhaul after school abduction
According to her, the kidnappers are only seeking the release of some individuals in government custody and want authorities to negotiate with them.
Alamu urged Nigerians to help spread her message and appealed to the government not to politicise the ordeal of those being held.
She said reports linking the abductors’ demands to Sharia law were untrue and could complicate efforts to secure their release.
Read more: Families Reject Aid, Demand Release of Oyo Abductees
Her appeal came as residents of Ogbomoso staged fresh protests over the continued captivity of more than 40 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
The protesters blocked major roads and demanded urgent action from both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to secure the victims’ freedom.
One of the demonstrators, Kehinde Dahunsi, questioned why the authorities had not achieved the release of the victims despite their prolonged captivity.
Read more: Oyo Kidnap: Parents Say “We Don’t Want Rice or Money, Just Our Children Back
He compared the situation with the recent rescue of relatives of a former minister, arguing that similar efforts should be deployed to free those still being held.
The abduction has triggered widespread concern across the state, with the Nigerian Union of Teachers directing its members to embark on a strike until the victims are rescued.
The kidnapped pupils, teachers and school principal have remained in captivity since the attack on their schools nearly four weeks ago.
