…Says abductors’ only demand is release of detained members
….Warns misinformation could endanger lives of captives
By Kunle Osota
The Principal of Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle, Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Folawe Alamu, has dismissed widespread reports alleging that the abductors of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso are demanding the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for their release.
In an emotional video message released on Monday from captivity, Alamu described the claims as false and urged the public to disregard what she called misleading narratives surrounding the ongoing hostage crisis.
The principal, who was abducted alongside several pupils and members of staff during coordinated attacks on schools in Ogbomoso on May 15, said the kidnappers have consistently maintained only one demand — the release of some of their detained members.
“The reports going round that the terrorists are asking for the implementation of Sharia law are totally false,” she said in the video.
“They only want their detained members to be released.”
According to her, the abductors have not made any religious or ideological demands, contrary to claims circulating on social media and other online platforms.
Alamu appealed to government authorities at both the federal and state levels to verify information before acting on unconfirmed reports, warning that misinformation could complicate efforts to secure the freedom of the captives.
She stressed that false narratives have the potential to inflame tensions and place the lives of hostages at greater risk.
In one of the most emotional moments of the video, the principal pleaded with political leaders not to politicise the plight of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“This is not about politics. This is about innocent children and teachers who have spent weeks in the bush, exposed to cold, rain and sun,” she said.
“Please, do not play politics with our condition. Just negotiate with them. Dialogue with them. Force will only get us killed.”
Her appeal comes nearly three weeks after the abduction that shocked residents of Oyo State and attracted national attention.
The Sharia law narrative gained traction following unverified reports claiming that the kidnappers had demanded a N1 billion ransom, two Hilux vehicles, the release of prison inmates and the introduction of Sharia law in Oyo State.
However, Alamu’s latest statement directly contradicts those claims, while no independent evidence has emerged to substantiate the reports.
The controversy had earlier prompted reactions from the Muslim community in Oyo State, which distanced Islam from the activities of the kidnappers.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the group condemned attempts to link criminal activities to religious beliefs.
“The protection of human life remains a fundamental principle of Islam. These criminals do not represent our faith. The public should not associate their actions with any religion,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has maintained that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the hostages.
Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents that security operatives have been deployed to areas where the victims are believed to be held.
The Oyo State House of Assembly, however, has expressed opposition to negotiating with kidnappers, arguing that ransom payments or concessions could encourage further criminal activities.
As of press time, the Federal Government had not issued an official response to the vice principal’s latest appeal.
The hostage crisis has continued to generate concern across the country, particularly following the reported killing of a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, by the abductors earlier in the ordeal.
Observers say Alamu’s video has helped clarify the circumstances surrounding the kidnappers’ demands while drawing attention to the dangers of spreading unverified information during sensitive security situations.
With dozens of pupils and teachers still in captivity, pressure continues to mount on authorities to secure their safe return and bring an end to the prolonged ordeal.
