One of the school officials held captive following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has refuted claims that their abductors are demanding ₦1 billion in ransom, weapons, or the imposition of Sharia law.
In a video released by the gunmen, the principal, identified as Mrs. Alamu, appealed to the public to stop circulating false information that could complicate efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
Alamu said the abductors had shown the captives copies of media reports making the rounds online and that the claims were inaccurate.
“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, adding that the misinformation was hampering negotiations.
She clarified that the captors’ sole demand was the release of certain detained individuals and an opportunity for dialogue. “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 appeal comes as anxiety mounts over the fate of approximately 45 pupils and teachers abducted after gunmen raided three schools in Oriire LGA. The hostages have now been in captivity for nearly four weeks.
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