An emotional appeal from one of the educators abducted during the mass kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo State has reignited public concern over the fate of the victims, as she accused unnamed individuals of complicating efforts to secure their freedom through what she described as misleading claims about the kidnappers’ demands.
Mrs. Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, appeared in a new video released on Monday from captivity, where she appealed directly to Nigerians to help amplify her message and prevent what she claimed were attempts to misrepresent the circumstances surrounding their abduction.
The victims were among more than 40 pupils and teachers seized during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15, 2026.
Speaking from the kidnappers’ hideout, Alamu said reports suggesting the abductors were demanding the implementation of Sharia law, huge sums of money or weapons in exchange for their release were inaccurate and potentially dangerous to those being held.
She urged Nigerians to share her message widely, insisting that misinformation could jeopardise efforts to resolve the crisis.
In the video, she said: “Good day, everyone. Please, I have come to make some clarifications. Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place. And it seems that some people are making our problems more complicated already. We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people who abducted us requested the release of some people. They requested N1 billion; they requested that Sharia law be enshrined in the country.
“These are not true. They are just trying to create problems for us. We have been here since, and we have not been forced to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that. They are not asking for Sharia law; they are not asking for money. The single thing they are looking for is the release of some of their people. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make it complicated for us.”
Alamu maintained that the captors had focused solely on one demand and appealed to authorities to engage them directly rather than allow political narratives to interfere with efforts to secure the release of the hostages.
According to her, every day spent in captivity increases the uncertainty and suffering of the victims, making honest communication and meaningful dialogue essential.
“Please, we are begging you, please, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please help us to circulate this, let it go viral. They are not asking for Sharia law. It’s not true. They are not asking for weapons; they are not asking for money. All they want is the release of some people. And the government should negotiate with them and know what they will release for them.”
The principal further expressed frustration over what she described as attempts to distort the kidnappers’ demands, warning that such narratives could undermine chances of a peaceful resolution.
Her appeal ended with an emotional plea to Nigerians to help spread the message and ensure that public attention remains focused on securing the release of the hostages.
“I don’t know why they are playing politics with our lives. Please, Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Please, help us make it go viral. Don’t let the government deceive the whole world. They are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for money, they are not asking for weapons. All they want is the release of some of their people. Please, let everybody know about it.”
The latest video has intensified public concern over the prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren and teachers, while raising fresh questions about ongoing efforts to secure their release nearly a month after the mass abduction shocked communities across Oriire Local Government Area.
(Ripples)
