Mrs Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire LGA, has appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and Nigerians to keep politics out of efforts to free her and other abducted schoolchildren.

In a video that surfaced Monday, her 24th day in captivity, the visibly weary principal denied media reports that the abductors were demanding N1 billion or pushing for Sharia law. “Those stories are not correct. They are only making our situation more complicated,” Alamu said.

She clarified that since gunmen attacked three schools on May 15, 2026, her captors had not compelled anyone to change religion. “They have not forced us to pray in any way. What they are asking for is the release of some of their detained members. I don’t know why people are spreading false rumours to complicate things,” she stated.

Alamu urged families, community leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to push for quiet dialogue instead of force. “Please help us. Don’t use force, just negotiate. Don’t allow them to waste our lives,” she pleaded, stressing that the issue is about human lives, not political gains.

The May 15 raid hit Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, leaving more than 40 pupils and several teachers in captivity. Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was later killed by the abductors.

Her message comes as debate rages in Oyo and across Nigeria on whether to meet the abductors’ conditions. Security experts warn that conceding to demands could encourage more school attacks, while parents insist rescue must come first.

Source: Punch news.