Abducted Oyo School Principal Denies ₦1bn Ransom, Sharia Demands by Kidnappers

A school principal who was abducted alongside dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has refuted reports claiming that their captors are demanding ₦1 billion ransom, weapons, or the implementation of Sharia law as conditions for their release.

The principal, Mrs. Alamu, made the clarification in a new video released by the kidnappers, describing such reports as false and potentially harmful to ongoing efforts aimed at securing the freedom of the victims.

Speaking in the video, Mrs. Alamu revealed that the abductors had shown the captives several reports circulating online about their alleged demands, prompting her to address the misinformation.

According to her, the victims have spent 24 days in captivity, and inaccurate reports are making their situation more difficult.

“Hello everyone. I have come to make some clarifications. Today marks the 24th day that we have been here, and it appears that some people are already complicating our case,” she said.

Mrs. Alamu specifically denied claims that the kidnappers were demanding the release of detained fighters, payment of ₦1 billion, weapons, or the enforcement of Sharia law.

She stressed that the reports being circulated do not reflect the actual position of the abductors and warned that such misinformation could frustrate negotiations and delay the release of those being held.

“They are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for weapons, and they are not asking for money. What they are asking for is the release of some people and negotiation. Please do not play politics with our lives,” she appealed.

The principal’s latest message comes amid growing anxiety over the fate of about 45 pupils and teachers who were kidnapped after armed men invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

Families of the victims and concerned residents have continued to call for intensified efforts to secure their safe and immediate release.