Welcome

Kidnapped Oyo School Principal Rejects Ransom Claims, Reveals Fresh Demand by Abductors

Written by

Promise Odejide

in

A principal abducted during the attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has released a new video from captivity, dismissing reports that the terrorists demanded ransom, vehicles or the implementation of Sharia law for their release.

Mrs. Alamu, the principal held by the abductors, said in the video that the demands circulating online are false and are complicating efforts to secure their freedom.

The victims have now spent 24 days in captivity following the attack that led to the abduction of about 45 pupils and teachers.

Principal Speaks From Captivity

In the video, Mrs. Alamu said the abductors showed them reports claiming they demanded N1 billion, the implementation of Sharia law and other conditions.

According to her, the reports do not reflect the actual position of the kidnappers.

“Today marks the 24th day we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are making our case complicated already. We were shown some print media that these people who abducted us requested a billion naira and requested Sharia to be entrenched in the country. These are not true,” she said.

She insisted that the abductors were not demanding money, weapons or religious laws.

“They are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for money, the single thing they are asking for is the release of their people,” she added.

Appeal Against Politicising Their Situation

The principal appealed to authorities and the public not to politicise the abduction, warning that misinformation could affect negotiations.

“They are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for weapons, they are not asking for money, all they are asking for is the release of some people and negotiation. Don’t play politics with our lives,” she said.

Earlier Reports Linked Demands to Terror Suspects

The latest video comes days after reports claimed the abductors demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, ransom payments, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related policies.

According to reports, two of the individuals allegedly being requested are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.

The suspects are said to be leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a faction that broke away from Boko Haram.

They were reportedly arrested in 2025 and are currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges.

Government Yet to Respond

Authorities have not officially commented on the claims made in the latest video.

The abduction of the pupils and teachers has continued to generate concern across Oyo State, with families and residents calling for urgent action to secure the release of those still being held.

 

More posts