Muslim groups and activists challenge Oyo officials over claims about bandits’ demands, urge focus on safe release of pupils and teachers

The Oyo State Government is facing mounting criticism after abducted school victims in Oriire Local Government Area disputed official reports that their captors demanded ₦1 billion ransom and the implementation of Sharia law. The controversy intensified on Tuesday when a video surfaced showing Mrs. Rachael Alamu, a school principal held by the kidnappers, denying any such demands from her captors.

The incident began when government officials publicly claimed that bandits responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers had requested a ₦1bn ransom, weapons, and the introduction of Sharia law as conditions for release. These statements were widely circulated in media reports, fuelling anxiety across Oyo State and beyond. However, Mrs. Alamu, speaking from captivity in the video message, called on politicians and members of the public not to politicise their ordeal and warned that spreading misinformation could jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts.

The conflicting accounts have sparked reactions from several quarters. Muslim groups in the state questioned the credibility of the government’s claims, noting that no independently verified evidence supported reports about a Sharia law demand. The groups urged those who made such statements to clarify their sources and cautioned that unverified claims risked inflaming tensions within the state. Human rights activist Francis Nwapa also criticised the government’s approach in a written statement, accusing officials of using the abduction to promote divisive narratives instead of prioritising the safe return of those still held captive.

As families of abducted pupils and teachers continue to await news of their loved ones’ release, calls are growing for authorities to intensify rescue operations and ensure accurate communication with the public. The situation has heightened concerns about security in South-West Nigeria and raised fresh questions about official transparency in crisis management. For now, attention remains focused on securing the victims’ freedom while stakeholders urge restraint from politicising unverified information.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/oyo-school-kidnapping-government-faces-backlash-for-fabricating-bandits-demands-2026061119062257044