Twenty-five days after the abduction of more than 40 pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, residents of Ogbomoso on Monday staged another massive protest, calling for the immediate release of those still being held by their captors.
Amid growing public concern, the kidnapped principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, appeared in a viral video message, dismissing reports that the abductors had demanded the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria as a condition for their freedom.
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The mass kidnapping occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., and the victims have remained in captivity ever since.
In response to the incident, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) directed its members across Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike pending the safe return of the victims. Several demonstrations were also organised nationwide last week to press for urgent government intervention.
On Monday, hundreds of protesters flooded the streets of Ogbomoso, blocking major highways and key roads, resulting in severe traffic disruptions across the area.
Speaking during the protest, one of the demonstrators, Kehinde Dahunsi, questioned why authorities had not secured the release of the victims despite the length of time they had spent in captivity.
“It is heartbreaking that our loved ones have remained in the hands of kidnappers since May 15. We keep asking what it will take for both the federal and state governments to act decisively,” he said.
Dahunsi compared the situation to the recent rescue of the sister of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were reportedly abducted on June 3 and freed three days later.
“If that rescue operation could be carried out successfully within such a short period, why can’t similar efforts be deployed to secure the freedom of our family members who have now spent 25 days in captivity?” he asked.
In the widely circulated video, Alamu appealed to Nigerians to share her message and avoid politicising the plight of the hostages.
“Greetings to everyone. I want to clear up some misconceptions,” she said.
“Today marks the 24th day of our captivity, and it appears that false information is making our situation even more difficult.
“We were shown newspaper reports claiming that our captors demanded the release of certain individuals, requested a ransom of one billion naira, and insisted that Sharia law be adopted in the country. Those reports are completely false.
“Since we arrived here, nobody has compelled us to practise any religion or subjected us to any form of religious pressure. They have not made any demand concerning Sharia law, money, or weapons.
“The only issue they keep mentioning is the release of some of their associates. I do not understand why rumours are being spread that could complicate efforts to resolve this matter.”
She urged the public to help amplify her message, saying, “Please do not allow politics to endanger our lives. Nigerians, help us spread the truth. Our captors are not demanding Sharia law, weapons, or money. What they want is the release of some individuals, and the government should engage them to determine exactly who they are referring to.
“We are pleading for help. Our lives depend on it. Please share this message widely and do not allow anyone to mislead the world about our situation.”
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