Oyo school kidnapping: 'We did NOT demand ₦1 billion or Sharia law' — Abducted Principal Rachael Alamu breaks silence after 24 days in captivity

• Abducted principal Rachael Alamu speaks after 24 days in captivity and debunks viral ransom and Sharia law claims.

• Says reports of ₦1 billion demand are false and misleading, urging correction of misinformation.

• The case highlights rising concern over kidnapping in Nigeria and the spread of unverified breaking news online.

The abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Rachael Alamu, has denied viral reports claiming that her abductors demanded a ₦1 billion ransom and called for the imposition of Sharia law in Nigeria.

In a clarification statement after spending 24 days in captivity, she said the information being circulated in some media reports and on social media was inaccurate and not reflective of what actually happened during the incident.

“Please, I have come to make some clarification. Today makes it 24 days that we have been in this place. Some press media outlets are complicating the issue by stating that the people who abducted us requested ₦1 billion ransom and demanded Sharia law across the country. These claims are not true,” she said.

According to the principal, she and others being held captive were shown newspaper reports alleging that the kidnappers had demanded a ₦1 billion ransom, the release of certain individuals, and the nationwide implementation of Sharia law.

She, however, insisted that those reports were inaccurate. “These are not true. They are just trying to create problems for us,” Alamu said.

She further stated that neither she nor the other captives had been forced to practise Islam or subjected to religious pressure by their abductors.

“We have been here and 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 Sharia law,” she said.

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Alamu also denied reports that the kidnappers were demanding money or weapons in exchange for their release.

“They are not asking for money. They are not asking for weapons. The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people,” she said.

Her statement aligns perfectly with Pulse Nigeria’s report, which accurately detailed the captors' actual demands

The principal urged Nigerians to help spread her message, accusing some individuals of politicising the situation and misrepresenting the kidnappers' demands.

“Please, we are just begging you. Don't play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please help us to circulate this. Let it go viral,” she pleaded.

She added that the abductors' primary demand was for the government to negotiate and secure the release of some detained individuals.

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“All they want is the release of some people, and the government will negotiate with them and know those that they will release for them,” she said.

The video has sparked fresh reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the conflicting narratives surrounding the kidnapping and the broader issue of misinformation during security crises.

Kidnapping remains a major security challenge in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural communities and around educational institutions.

The latest development has renewed calls for accurate reporting and swift action by authorities to secure the release of those still being held captive.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued an official response to Alamu's claims, while efforts to secure the release of the victims remain ongoing.

However, her clarification appears aimed at correcting narratives that have gained traction in both traditional and social media spaces.

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