A fresh video released by one of the abducted school principals in Oyo State has raised new questions about reports surrounding the demands allegedly made by the kidnappers holding teachers and pupils captive.
In the video, the principal dismissed claims that the abductors demanded ₦1 billion ransom, the release of detained individuals, or the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria as conditions for releasing the victims.
The principal, who has spent more than three weeks in captivity alongside other abducted teachers and pupils, described the reports as false and misleading.
According to her, information being circulated in some media reports does not accurately reflect the reality of their situation.
Principal Rejects Reports On Kidnappers’ Demands
Speaking in the video, the principal said the captives had become aware of reports allegedly attributing several demands to their abductors.
However, she insisted those claims were untrue.
“These are not true. Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place, and it seems that some people are making our problems more complicated,” she said.
The principal further disclosed that captives were shown newspaper reports claiming the kidnappers requested the release of certain individuals, a ₦1 billion ransom payment and the adoption of Sharia law.
She rejected those claims and urged the public to disregard them.
“We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people that abducted us requested the release of some people, requested a billion naira, and requested Sharia to be entrenched in the country. These are not true,” she added.
Conflicting Narratives Emerge
The latest video introduces a new dimension to the ongoing Oyo school abduction crisis, which has generated nationwide concern since gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted dozens of pupils, teachers and school officials.
The incident has triggered protests, public outrage and calls for urgent action to secure the release of the victims.
In recent days, various reports had emerged claiming the abductors made multiple demands, including financial payments and other conditions before the captives could be released.
However, the principal’s latest statement directly contradicts those reports.
Families Continue To Await Rescue
The victims have now spent several weeks in captivity, with families, labour unions, civil society groups and community leaders continuing to demand their safe return.
The prolonged captivity has also led to industrial actions, protests and growing pressure on authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
As investigations and negotiations continue, the latest video is likely to fuel further debate about the information being released concerning the kidnappers’ demands and the ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of the abducted teachers and pupils.
Authorities are yet to issue a fresh response to the principal’s latest claims as Nigerians continue to follow developments in the high-profile kidnapping case.
