MURIC says “terrorists Shari’ah demand” inserted to tarnish image of Islam, as abducted Oyo principal speaks from captivity

*Calls for responsible reporting on increase

By NASRUDEEN ABBAS

“They are not asking for Shari’ah Law, they are not asking for weapons, they are not asking for money, it is not true. All they want is the release of some people and the government should negotiate with them and know those that they will release for them. I don’t know why they are playing politics with our lives. Please Nigerians, our lives are in your hands,” the school principal pleaded in a mood full of emotions and disappointment.

Fresh developments have emerged in the ongoing abduction case involving students and staff of Community High School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as the school’s principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has dismissed widespread media reports alleging that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Shari’ah law, the release of certain individuals, and a N1 billion ransom.

In a newly released video recorded from captivity on Monday June 8, 2026, Mrs. Alamu described the reports as false and misleading, warning that such claims could complicate efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.

In the 3-minute, 18-second video, Mrs. Alamu stated that neither a N1 billion ransom nor the implementation of Shari’ah law formed part of the abductors’ demands.

“Please I have cine to make some clarifications. Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place and it seems that some people are making our problem to be complicated already,” she said.

“We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people that adopted us requested for release of some people , requested for a billion Naira and requested for Shari’ah to be entrenched in the country. These are not true. They (the media) are just trying to create problems for us. We have been here since, we have not been forced to worship in Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us regarding that.

“They are not asking for Shari’ah Law, they are not asking for money. The simple thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make things complicated for us. Please we are just begging you, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please help us circulate this let it go viral.

“They are not asking for Shari’ah Law, they are not asking for weapons, they are not asking for money, it is not true. All they want is the release of some people and the government should negotiate with them and know those that they will release for them. I don’t know why they are playing politics with our lives. Please Nigerians, our lives are in your hands,” she pleaded in a mood full of emotions and disappointment.

Her statement directly contradicts narratives circulated in some sections of the media (excluding The DEFENDER) suggesting that the kidnappers tied negotiations to religious and political conditions, including the alleged introduction of Sharia law either in Oyo State or across the South-West.

Mrs. Alamu’s remarks align with an earlier fact-check published by this online newspaper, which found no verifiable evidence supporting claims that Shari’ah law was among the abductors’ demands.

Publicly available information regarding negotiations had primarily come from the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who briefed journalists following consultations with community leaders, families of victims, and other stakeholders. Notably, the Speaker made no reference to any demand relating to Sharia law.

The principal’s testimony has therefore reinforced concerns about the origin and accuracy of the Shari’ah-related reports, especially in the absence of confirmation from negotiators, security agencies, community representatives, or government officials.

Mrs. Alamu was abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed gunmen reportedly invaded several schools in Esiele in a coordinated attack that shocked residents of Oriire Local Government Area and the wider Oyo State.

The assailants kidnapped scores of students, teachers, and school administrators. The attack also resulted in the deaths of an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcycle rider, intensifying fears over the worsening security situation in the region.

Since the incident, parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations have continued to urge security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of the victims.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has also rejected reports linking the abductors to any demand for Shari’ah law. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the organisation described the claim as false and a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of Islam.

MURIC maintained that criminal groups, including kidnappers and insurgents, do not represent Islam or the Muslim community. The group condemned the abduction as criminal and barbaric, stressing that such acts are inconsistent with Islamic teachings.

While reiterating its advocacy for the constitutional establishment of Shari’ah Courts in parts of the South-West through lawful and democratic means, the organisation emphasised that no legitimate religious cause can be advanced through kidnapping or violence.

The emergence of Mrs. Alamu’s video has renewed calls for caution in reporting sensitive security matters. Observers warn that unverified claims, particularly those touching on religion, risk inflaming tensions and undermining delicate negotiations aimed at securing the release of captives.

As families await positive developments, stakeholders continue to stress the need for accurate information and responsible journalism amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.