The abducted principal of Community High School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Folawe Alamu, has appealed to Nigerians and government authorities to secure the freedom of those held captive by kidnappers.
In a viral video released after spending 25 days in captivity, Alamu dismissed reports that the abductors were demanding N1 billion ransom, weapons or the imposition of Sharia law in Nigeria.
Alamu was among teachers and pupils kidnapped during a deadly attack on schools in Oyo State on May 15. The victims included staff and pupils of Community High School, Esiele; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; and L.A. Primary School. One of the abducted teachers was reportedly killed while in captivity.
Speaking in the video, the principal said she was compelled to address the public after learning that false information about the kidnappers’ demands was being circulated in sections of the media.
“Today makes it the 25th day that we have been in this place and it seems that some people are making our problems complicated already,” she said.
According to her, the captives were shown media reports claiming their abductors were demanding N1 billion, weapons and the implementation of Sharia law.
“These are not true. They are just trying to create problems for us,” she said.
“We have been here, and we have not been forced to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that. They are not asking for Sharia law. They are not asking for money.”
Alamu stated that the kidnappers’ only demand was the release of some detained individuals.
“The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make it complicated for us,” she added.
She appealed to Nigerians to help spread her message and urged authorities not to politicise the situation.
“Please, we are just begging you. Don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please help us to circulate this. Let it go viral,” she pleaded.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria have threatened nationwide industrial action if urgent measures are not taken to address the worsening insecurity across the country.
Speaking during the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC Deputy President Oyibo Jimoh warned that workers’ lives were increasingly at risk due to rampant kidnappings and violent attacks.
“If this continues unchecked, we may have no choice but to advise our members to stay at home, not as a strike, but as a desperate act of survival,” the labour leaders said.
They also urged political leaders to prioritise security ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that no meaningful democratic process can thrive amid widespread fear and violence.