Abducted Oyo principal refutes claims of Sharia law demand by kidnappers
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo State, released a video pleading with Nigerians not to politicize their situation. She clarified that her abductors have not demanded Sharia law or a ransom of N1 billion, contrary to reports. Mrs. Alamu stated that the kidnappers' sole request is the release of some of their people. She urged the government to negotiate for their release and asked Nigerians to circulate her video to counter misinformation. Mrs. Alamu and over 40 pupils and teachers were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, 2026, during an attack on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights OHCHR has expressed deep concern regarding credible reports of killings, abductions, sexual violence, and forced conversions affecting Christian and other religious minority communities in Nigeria, particularly in the northern and Middle Belt regions. A press release from the UN human rights office highlighted that worsening insecurity has created an environment where armed groups operate with severe consequences for civilians. The OHCHR stated that the testimonies received paint a horrifying picture of fear, trauma, coercion, and abandonment, emphasizing the need to protect and support victims and survivors through justice and reparations. The office noted that violence against religious minorities includes attacks on places of worship, mass displacement, and mob violence linked to blasphemy allegations. Particular concern was raised for women and girls, who face heightened risks of abductions, sexual violence, forced marriage, and forced conversion. The UN rights office referenced specific incidents communicated to the Nigerian government, including abductions and sexual assault of women, the disappearance of girls from a church in Borno State, forced conversion and child marriage in Bauchi State, and an attack on a 16-year-old girl whose hand was allegedly cut off. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of violence, including attacks on villages and insecurity in displacement camps. The OHCHR urged
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Must ReadVictims from Ngoshe community in Borno State, recently freed after three months in captivity, shared their experiences, including their diet of guinea corn once daily and sleeping on open floors on a mountain. One victim, Khadijat, stated that their release involved no contact or gunfire, with terrorists leading them down the mountain before they made their way to soldiers. She also noted that among those freed were 11 individuals from another community who had been held for seven months. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited the 360 freed victims on Monday, announcing the release of funds for the rehabilitation of the Ngoshe community. Zulum praised President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and acknowledged the efforts of various security agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Security, and local security groups. The governor mentioned that a total of 434 individuals had been released, including those freed two to three weeks prior. He confirmed that millions of naira have been released for Ngoshe's rehabilitation, with work nearing completion, and discussions are ongoing with the Nigerian military to ensure a safe return for residents. Zulum also directed the distribution of relief materials to the released individuals.