Kidnapped Oyo principal debunks N1bn ransom, Sharia claims in video

A school principal among dozens of pupils and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has appeared in a new video, dismissing reports that their captors are demanding N1 billion ransom, weapons, or the implementation of Sharia law.
The principal, Mrs Alamu, who said the hostages had spent 24 days in captivity, appealed to the public and authorities not to circulate unverified information that could jeopardise efforts to secure their release.

Speaking in the video released by the terrorists, Mrs Alamu said the abductors had shown the captives copies of reports circulating online regarding their alleged demands.

“Hello, everyone. I have come to make some clarifications. Today makes it the 24th day we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are making our case complicated already,” she said.

According to her, reports claiming that the terrorists are demanding the release of fighters, payment of N1 billion ransom, weapons, and the implementation of Sharia law are inaccurate.

Mrs Alamu said the misinformation was complicating negotiations and could hinder efforts to secure the freedom of the captives.

“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 pleaded.

The principal’s latest appeal comes amid growing concern over the fate of about 45 pupils and teachers abducted when terrorists stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The emergence of the video has raised fresh questions about the status of negotiations between authorities and the abductors, as families of the victims continue to await their safe return.

Kidnapped Oyo principal debunks N1bn ransom, Sharia claims in video