Three weeks after armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted dozens of pupils, teachers and school officials, one of the victims, the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Mrs Rachael Alamu has publicly debunked several sensational claims circulating on social media regarding the demands of the kidnappers.
In a video exclusively obtained by Headlinenews.news, the principal spoke calmly, clearly and without visible panic, appealing to Nigerians to stop politicising the ordeal of innocent children and teachers whose lives remain at risk.
According to her, contrary to widespread claims circulating online, the abductors did not demand ₦1 billion, vehicles, weapons, or the imposition of Sharia law in Oyo State.
Rather, she disclosed that the kidnappers’ only demand was the release of their detained colleagues in exchange for the victims.
Her statement directly contradicts numerous reports and commentaries that had linked the abduction to religious or ideological demands.
The principal urged Nigerians, opinion leaders, media, opposition politicians and social media users to exercise caution and avoid spreading unverified narratives capable of complicating efforts to secure the release of the victims by the Tinubu administration.
The Oriire attack, which occurred on May 15, involved coordinated assaults on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities.
At least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal, were abducted, while Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan was killed during the attack.
Another teacher was later reportedly murdered in captivity.
The attacks triggered widespread protests, school closures and an indefinite strike by teachers across Oyo State.
The principal’s latest testimony raises important questions about the dangers of misinformation during security emergencies.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that inaccurate reports can harden the positions of kidnappers, inflame religious and political tensions, mislead security agencies and endanger ongoing negotiations.
History provides several examples.
During hostage crises in Colombia, the Philippines and parts of the Middle East, governments and media organisations often imposed restrictions on speculative reporting because false narratives had the potential to derail rescue efforts and put captives at greater risk.
Turkey, which battled terrorism for decades, adopted a similar doctrine by prioritising verified information and discouraging politically motivated narratives during ongoing hostage situations.
The development also highlights a broader challenge facing Nigeria: the growing weaponisation of social media during national emergencies.
In moments of crisis, rumours often travel faster than facts. Political actors, ethnic entrepreneurs and opportunists frequently exploit public emotions to push narratives that fit preconceived agendas rather than objective realities.
The principal’s appeal is therefore not merely a personal plea. It is a reminder that behind every headline are frightened children, grieving families and desperate communities praying for the safe return of their loved ones.
As negotiations and security efforts continue, experts insist that the priority must remain the preservation of human lives rather than the pursuit of political points.
The truth, as revealed by one of the victims herself, is simple and sobering:
This is not the time for propaganda or political campaign of calumny by detractors of the government.
This is the time to bring the children home.
National Patriots: Facts Must Prevail Over Politics
The National Patriots caution against politicising national tragedies for partisan gain. The statement by the abducted Oyo school principal that the kidnappers sought only the release of detained colleagues, and not money, weapons or ideological concessions, suggests that security agencies have made significant arrests in the ongoing counterterrorism campaign. Her testimony exposes the dangers of speculation and misinformation. Nigerians deserve facts, not propaganda. In moments of crisis, saving lives and supporting security efforts must take precedence over political point-scoring.
Dr. Imran Khazaly
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
