Abducted school principal denies ₦1bn ransom report

The abducted Principal of Community High School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Folawe Alamu, has appeared in a viral video from captivity, denying reports that her kidnappers are demanding a ₦1 billion ransom, weapons, or the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria.

Speaking in the video, which surfaced on Monday, Mrs. Alamu said she decided to address the public after learning of what she described as false reports regarding the demands of her abductors, 24 days after her abduction.

She explained that she and other captives were shown media reports claiming that the kidnappers had demanded money and religious concessions, allegations she strongly refuted.

According to the principal, the only request made by the abductors was for the release of certain individuals currently in custody.

She appealed to Nigerians and relevant authorities not to politicise the situation but to focus on efforts to secure the release of all victims.

Mrs. Alamu also urged the public to share her message widely, insisting that no demands beyond the release of those individuals had been made.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to respond officially to the claims contained in the video.