By Abigail David
Fresh protests erupted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday as residents demanded the release of more than 40 pupils and their teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area nearly a month ago.
The victims, including pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on May 15, 2026, and have remained in captivity.
The latest demonstration came as the abducted principal of Community High School, Rachael Alamu, appeared in a viral video from captivity, disputing reports that the kidnappers were demanding the introduction of Sharia law or a ransom for their release.
In the emotional appeal, Alamu urged Nigerians to disregard what she described as false claims and to help publicise the victims’ plight.
According to her, the abductors have neither forced the captives to practise any religion nor demanded money or the implementation of Sharia law.
She alleged that the kidnappers’ primary demand was the release of some of their detained associates and appealed to the government to engage in negotiations to secure the freedom of the hostages.
Alamu also pleaded with authorities and the public not to politicise the situation, saying misleading reports could further endanger the lives of those in captivity.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters blocked major roads in Ogbomoso on Monday, causing traffic disruptions as they called on the Federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
One of the protesters, Kehinde Dahunsi, questioned why the authorities had been unable to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers after more than three weeks in captivity, while other recent kidnapping victims were rescued within days.
The abduction has sparked widespread outrage, with the Nigerian Union of Teachers directing its members across Oyo State to embark on a strike until the victims are rescued. Protests have also been held in several parts of the country to demand urgent government action.
The prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren and teachers has heightened concerns over insecurity and the safety of educational institutions across the state.
