25 Days in Captivity: Abducted Oyo Principal Breaks Silence, Begs Nigerians to Save Them
Kidnapped school principal rejects reports of N1 billion ransom and Sharia demands, warns against politicising victims' plight as labour unions threaten nationwide action over insecurity.
Twenty-five days after being abducted alongside teachers and pupils in Oyo State, Community High School Principal, Mrs Rachael Folawe Alamu, has surfaced in a viral video from captivity, pleading with Nigerians and government authorities to secure their freedom. The principal dismissed reports that the kidnappers were demanding N1 billion, weapons, or the imposition of Sharia law, insisting that misinformation could jeopardise efforts to rescue the captives.
The abducted Principal of Community High School, Esiele, in Oyo State, Mrs Rachael Folawe Alamu, has made an emotional appeal from captivity, urging Nigerians and government authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of teachers and pupils kidnapped nearly a month ago.
In a viral video recorded 25 days after the abduction, Mrs Alamu said she felt compelled to speak after learning that what she described as false information about the kidnappers’ demands was being circulated in the media.
The victims were abducted on May 15 during a deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The attack targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, while one teacher was reportedly killed by the terrorists.
‘They Are Not Asking for N1 Billion’
Speaking from captivity, Mrs Alamu rejected claims that the kidnappers were demanding a N1 billion ransom, weapons, or the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria.
According to her, the abductors only want the release of some individuals currently in government custody.
“They are not asking for Sharia law. They are not asking for money. They are not asking for weapons. The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people,” she said.
The principal warned that spreading inaccurate information could complicate ongoing efforts aimed at securing the freedom of the hostages.
‘Don’t Play Politics With Our Lives’
In an emotional plea, Mrs Alamu urged Nigerians to amplify her message and resist attempts to politicise the crisis.
“Please, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, help us make this go viral. Our lives are in your hands,” she appealed.
She accused some individuals of circulating misleading narratives capable of worsening the situation and delaying negotiations.
Labour Unions Threaten Nationwide Action
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have warned that they may be forced to escalate actions over worsening insecurity across the country.
Speaking at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, labour leaders described insecurity as the greatest threat facing Nigerian workers.
According to the unions, teachers, farmers, health workers and ordinary citizens are increasingly exposed to attacks, abductions and killings.
The labour centres warned that if the situation continues unchecked, they may advise members to stay at home as a survival measure.
Security Crisis Dominates National Debate
The unions also questioned the morality of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections while communities continue to face widespread violence and insecurity.
They insisted that future political support would depend on candidates’ commitment to security, workers’ welfare, education and healthcare.
As concern grows nationwide, attention remains focused on efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils whose ordeal has become one of the country’s most troubling security stories.
