‘They Are Not Asking For Shariah, N1bn Ransom’ — Abducted School Principal Counters Media Report On Bandits’ Demands

The abducted Principal of Community High School, EsieleAhoro-Esieele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has dismissed reports claiming that the gunmen holding her and 31 others captive were demanding the entrenchment of Shariah law or a ₦1 billion ransom, describing the claims as false and dangerous.

In a latest video released from captivity and circulating on social media on Monday, the visibly distressed school principal appealed to the Federal Government and Nigerians to disregard what she described as rumours capable of jeopardising efforts to secure their freedom.

“Please, it seems that some people are making the problems complicated already. We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people who abducted us requested the release of some people, one billion naira, and that Shariah be entrenched in the country. These are not true. They are just trying to create problems for us,” she said.

Mrs Alamu stressed that the abductors had neither demanded money nor compelled any of the captives to practise Islam.

“We have been here since. We have not been forced to worship in the Islamic way. We have been left alone; they have not troubled us concerning that.

“They are not asking for Shariah law, they’re not asking for money, nor are they asking for N1billion. The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people. Please, help us beg the government to negotiate with them. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make it complicated for us.”

She appealed to Nigerians to amplify her message, urging authorities to prioritise negotiations over politics.

“Please, we are just begging you, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please help us to circulate this, let it go viral.”

Reiterating her appeal, she said: “They are not asking for weapons, they are not asking for money. All they want is the release of some people, and the government will negotiate with them and know those that they will be released for them. I don’t know why they are playing politics with our lives. Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Help me make this go viral. Don’t let the government deceive the whole world.”

The latest video came amid widespread reports over the past week alleging that the abductors demanded the implementation of Shariah law as part of the conditions for releasing the victims.

LEADERSHIP reports that Mrs Alamu and 31 other persons, including students and staff members, were abducted on Friday, May 15, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m. when armed men attacked multiple schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims were taken from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.

In an earlier video from captivity, Mrs Alamu appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and ensure their safe release.

Her husband, Professor Wole Alamu, later confirmed her identity.

The attack also involved another teacher, Temitope, who appeared in one of the videos carrying a baby, while one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded days after the kidnapping.