Oyo Principal in Captivity Debunks N1bn Ransom Claim, Says Abductors Want Release of “Colleagues”

The abducted Principal of Community High School, Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Folawe Alamu, has appeared in a viral video from captivity, denying reports that her abductors are demanding a N1 billion ransom, weapons, or the imposition of Sharia law in Nigeria.

In the video circulated on Monday, the principal said she decided to speak out after what she described as widespread misinformation about the abductors’ demands, 24 days after her abduction.

She said she and other victims saw media reports claiming the kidnappers were demanding huge ransom and making religious-related conditions, which she insisted were false.

According to her, the abductors have not demanded any monetary payment or political or religious conditions.

Mrs. Alamu stated that the only demand made by the kidnappers is the release of certain individuals currently in custody.

She appealed to Nigerians and relevant authorities not to politicise the situation, urging that efforts should instead focus on securing the release of all abducted victims.

The principal also called for wider circulation of her message, insisting that the situation had been wrongly reported in sections of the media.