Abducted Oriire Principal Debunks N1bn Ransom, Sharia Claims; Says Kidnappers Want Associates Freed

The Principal of Oriire Community High School, who remains in captivity with other victims, has dismissed reports that their abductors are demanding N1 billion, Sharia law, or weapons for their release.

In a video believed to have been recorded from captivity and now circulating online, the principal said the kidnappers’ only demand is the release of some of their detained associates.

“We were shown some print media reports stating that these people requested the release of some persons, demanded a billion naira ransom and wanted Sharia law entrenched in the country. These claims are not true,” the principal said.

The principal, who disclosed that the victims have spent 24 days in captivity, appealed to Nigerians and government authorities not to complicate rescue efforts with “false and misleading reports.”

“We have not been forced to worship in any Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that. They are not asking for Sharia law and they are not asking for money,” the principal stated.

“The single thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people. The government can negotiate with them and determine those they will release. I do not know why some people are spreading rumours that make our situation more complicated.”

The visibly distressed principal urged the public to share what she described as the abductors’ true position and not to politicise the captives’ plight.

“Please, Nigerians, help us circulate this message. Do not play politics with our lives. Our lives are in your hands. Let everybody know they are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for weapons and they are not asking for money,” she said.

She accused unnamed individuals of misleading the public and the international community about their captivity.

“Please do not let the government deceive the whole world. They are not asking for Sharia law. They are not asking for money. All they want is the release of some of their people,” she added.

The remarks contradict earlier reports that suggested the kidnappers were demanding huge sums and pursuing ideological goals.

As of press time, government authorities had not officially responded to the claims in the video. Efforts to secure the release of the principal and other victims are ongoing.