Residents of Ogbomoso in Oyo State have staged fresh protests demanding the release of abducted pupils and teachers, even as the kidnapped principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Rachael Alamu, has dismissed reports that her abductors are demanding the introduction of Sharia law.
The development was reported by PUNCH Newspapers, which said the coordinated abduction of over 40 pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May 2026 has left victims in captivity for about 25 days.
In a viral video released from captivity, Alamu appealed to Nigerians to disregard claims circulating in sections of the media that the kidnappers were demanding ransom or the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for release.
She stated that the abductors were not forcing any religious practice and were not requesting money. Instead, she said their only demand was the release of some of their detained members, urging authorities to negotiate for the victims’ freedom.
Protesters in Ogbomoso blocked major roads on Monday, accusing authorities of slow response compared with other recent rescue operations. They called for urgent action to secure the release of the abducted students and staff.
The incident has also triggered a teachers’ strike in the state, while nationwide concern continues to grow over the safety of schoolchildren in Nigeria.
