JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The emotional appeal of one of the abducted educators during the mass abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State has revived public concern over the fate of the victims, as he accused unnamed persons of complicating efforts to secure their freedom through what he described as misleading claims regarding the kidnappers’ demands.
Mrs Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community Secondary School, Ahoro-Esiele, appeared in a new video released on Monday from captivity, in which she appealed directly to Nigerians to help amplify her message and prevent what she claimed was an attempt to misrepresent the circumstances surrounding their abduction.
The victims were among over 40 students and teachers arrested in coordinated attacks on Baptist Kindergarten and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and LA Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15, 2026.
Speaking from the kidnappers’ hideout, Alamu said reports indicating that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Sharia law, large sums of money or weapons in exchange for their release were inaccurate and potentially endangered those held captive.
He urged Nigerians to convey his message widely, and stressed that misinformation could jeopardize efforts to resolve the crisis.
In the video, he said: “Good afternoon, everyone. Please, I came to make some clarifications. Today is the 24th day that we have been in this place. And it seems that some people are already making our problems more complicated. We were shown some print media which stated that the people who kidnapped us are asking for the release of some people. They are asking for N1 billion, they are asking for Sharia law to be implemented in the country.
Also read: APC selects Sonayan-James as Hamzat’s running mate in Lagos gubernatorial election
“This is not true. They were just trying to create problems for us. We have been here since then, and we were not forced to worship according to Islam. We were left alone. They didn’t bother us about it. They didn’t ask for Sharia law; they didn’t ask for money. The only thing they were looking for was the release of some of their people. I don’t know why they are spreading these rumors to make things difficult for us.”
Alamu stated that the kidnappers were only focused on one demand and asked the authorities to engage them directly rather than let political narratives interfere with efforts to free the hostages.
According to him, every day spent in captivity increases the uncertainty and suffering of the victims, so honest communication and meaningful dialogue are important.
“Please, we beg you, please, don’t play with politics in our lives. Nigerians, please help us spread this, let it go viral. They’re not asking for Sharia law. That’s not right. They’re not asking for guns; they’re not asking for money. All they want is the release of a few people. And the government should negotiate with them and know what they’re going to spend on them.”
The principal further expressed frustration over what he described as attempts to distort the kidnappers’ demands, and warned that such a narrative could undermine the chances of a peaceful resolution.
His plea ended with an emotional plea to Nigerians to help spread the message and ensure that public attention remains focused on the release of the hostages.
“I don’t know why they are playing with our lives politically. Please, Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Please, help us make it viral. Don’t let the government cheat the whole world. They don’t ask for Sharia law, they don’t ask for money, they don’t ask for guns. All they want is the release of some of their people. Please, tell everyone about it.”
This latest video has raised public concerns over the prolonged detention of schoolchildren and teachers, while raising new questions about ongoing efforts to secure their release almost a month after mass kidnappings shocked communities across Oriire Local Government Area.
