Mrs. Rachael Alamu refutes false media reports, states captors only seek release of detained gang members
Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has issued a critical clarification from captivity, refuting widespread media reports claiming that her abductors are demanding a N1 billion ransom and the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria.
In an emotional video released by the captors on Monday, 8 June 2026, following 24 days of captivity, Alamu stated unequivocally that the reports circulating in both traditional and social media are false and are making the situation of the captives more complicated.
“I have come to make some clarifications. Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are already making our problem more complicated,” Alamu said in the video. “We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people who abducted us requested the release of some people, they requested one billion naira, and they requested for Sharia to be entrenched in the country; these are not true. They are just trying to create problems for us.”
Clarification of actual demands by the abducted principal
According to Alamu, the sole demand being made by the abductors is the release of some of their gang members who are currently in government custody, particularly at Agodi Prison in Oyo State. She stressed that no ransom demands have been made and no religious conditions have been attached to the release of the captives.
Alamu further clarified that the captives have not been forced to engage in Islamic religious practices or worship in any particular manner.
“We have been here, and since then, we have not been forced to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone; they have not troubled us concerning that. The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people,” she stated.
The principal appealed directly to the Nigerian government to stop politicising the situation and engage constructively with the kidnappers to secure the safe release of all captives. She urged Nigerians not to allow government authorities to “deceive the whole world” about the actual demands of the abductors.
Clarification addresses government and media reports
Alamu’s clarification appears to be a response to statements made by government officials and media organisations regarding the circumstances of the abduction and the kidnappers’ demands. The abductors had reportedly shown the captives various media reports claiming different ransom amounts and conditions, which contradicted their actual demands.
The principal’s statement represents an attempt to correct the narrative and prevent further complications that might jeopardise the lives of the remaining captives. She urged all stakeholders to focus on facilitating dialogue for the safe release of the captives rather than engaging in political disputes.
“Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Help us make this go viral. Don’t let the government deceive the whole world. They are not asking for Sharia, money, and weapons. All they want is the release of some of their people,” Alamu pleaded.
Clarification amid political disagreement
The principal’s appeal comes amid significant political tension over the handling of the abduction. On 3 June, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with the kidnappers. During the plenary session, Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Assembly, warned that any engagement with the kidnappers would encourage further attacks and strengthen criminal networks.
“If it were up to you, would you negotiate with terrorists? If they asked for weapons, money, or concessions of future laws of this land as part of their ransom, if you were the governor, would you accept that? Would you accept those people to be integrated into that community?” the speaker stated. “We don’t know the details. So, please, let’s be sensitive and calm. You do not know the details. The more you negotiate with these people, the more you embolden them.”
The speaker’s comments triggered a wave of social media posts questioning the government’s handling of the crisis, particularly in comparison to the swift rescue of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu’s sister and twin nephews on 6 June, just three days after their abduction on 3 June.
