A school principal kidnapped along with dozens of students and teachers in Oyo State has appeared in a new video, warning that false reports about the kidnappers’ demands could jeopardize efforts to secure their release.
In the video, Mrs. Alamu, one of the victims taken during the attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, refuted claims circulating online that the abductors were demanding N1 billion in ransom, weapons, or the implementation of Sharia law.
“Today marks our 24th day in captivity, and I have come to clarify some things. Some people are making our situation more complicated,” she said. Mrs. Alamu explained that the captors had shown the hostages news reports alleging demands for ransom, weapons, or the introduction of Sharia law. She stressed that these reports were false.
“They are not asking for Sharia law, weapons, or money. Their demand is simply for the release of some people and negotiation. Please, don’t play politics with our lives,” she pleaded.
The release of the video has increased anxiety over the fate of the roughly 45 pupils and teachers abducted from the three schools. It has also raised new concerns about the state of negotiations between the authorities and the kidnappers, as families anxiously await the safe return of their loved ones.
