Kidnapped Oyo principal dismisses N1bn ransom, Sharia claims in fresh video
By Adejayan Gbenga
A principal among the teachers and pupils abducted during an attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has appeared in a fresh video, dismissing reports that their captors are demanding one billion naira ransom, weapons, or the implementation of Sharia law as conditions for their release.
The principal, Mrs. Alamu, said the victims had spent 24 days in captivity and appealed to members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could jeopardise efforts to secure their freedom.
Speaking in the video reportedly released by the abductors, she said the captives had been shown copies of reports circulating online regarding the alleged demands of the kidnappers, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading.
According to her, the kidnappers are not demanding one billion naira ransom, weapons, or the enforcement of Sharia law, contrary to reports making the rounds on social media and other platforms.
Mrs. Alamu stated that the captors were instead seeking the release of certain individuals and were open to negotiations aimed at resolving the situation.
She warned that the circulation of false information was complicating ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abductees and urged both the public and relevant authorities not to politicise the incident.
“Hello, everyone. I have come to make some clarifications. Today makes it the 24th day we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are making our case complicated already,” she said in the video, adding that the captives were enduring difficult conditions and needed support rather than misinformation.
The latest video emerged amid growing concern over the fate of about 45 pupils and teachers abducted when armed men invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The victims have remained in captivity for more than three weeks, heightening anxiety among their families and communities as rescue efforts continue.
