Kidnapped Oyo principal says kidnappers only want release

A school principal held captive for 24 days has issued a direct appeal from a kidnappers' hideout, denying widespread reports that her abductors are demanding a massive ransom or the implementation of Sharia law. In a video released on Monday, June 8, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School in Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo State, stated the only demand is the release of some detained members of the kidnappers' group.

Alamu and dozens of others were abducted on Friday, May 15, when suspected bandits attacked three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area. The coordinated morning assault resulted in the kidnapping of approximately 39 students and seven teachers, according to earlier reports. The incident triggered widespread protests and national outrage.

In the video, Alamu pleaded with the public and authorities to disregard what she called false information. "We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people who abducted us requested the release of some people. They requested 1 billion, they requested that Sharia law be enshrined in the country. These are not true," she said. She emphasized that the captives had not been forced to adopt any religion and...