Residents of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday staged another large-scale protest over the continued captivity of more than 40 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, as a kidnapped school principal appealed to authorities to negotiate with the abductors rather than rely on force.
The demonstration came nearly four weeks after gunmen invaded schools in the area and whisked away students and educators in a coordinated attack that has continued to generate concern across the country.
As frustration mounted among families and community members, protesters blocked major roads and highways in Ogbomoso, creating significant traffic disruptions while demanding urgent action from both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government.
The renewed agitation follows the circulation of a viral video featuring Mrs. Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, who remains among those being held captive.
Speaking from what appeared to be the kidnappers’ hideout, Alamu sought to clarify reports surrounding the demands allegedly made by the abductors.
According to her, claims that the kidnappers were demanding the implementation of Sharia law or a huge financial ransom were inaccurate and risked complicating efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place, and it seems some people are making our situation more difficult already,” she said in the video.
Alamu stated that neither she nor the other captives had been pressured to adopt any religious practices since their abduction. She insisted that reports suggesting the kidnappers wanted Sharia law introduced in Nigeria did not reflect the reality of their situation.
“We have been here since then and have not been forced to worship in any particular way. They are not asking for Sharia law. They are not asking for money,” she said.
The principal further appealed to Nigerians to help spread her message, arguing that misinformation could hinder efforts to bring the victims home safely.
“The only thing they are asking for is the release of some of their people. Please, Nigerians, help us circulate this message. Don’t let politics interfere with our lives,” she added.
The latest development has intensified public debate over how authorities should respond to the prolonged crisis. Many residents expressed disappointment that the victims have remained in captivity for weeks despite repeated appeals and nationwide attention.
One protester, Kehinde Dahunsi, questioned why similar strategies used in other recent kidnapping cases had not yielded results for the abducted teachers and pupils.
“Our loved ones have been held for almost a month. Families are suffering every day. We want the government to do everything necessary to bring them back alive,” he said during the protest.
The Oyo abduction case has also drawn attention from labour groups and civil society organisations. The Nigerian Union of Teachers previously directed its members across the state to embark on industrial action until the kidnapped victims are rescued.
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Community leaders have warned that the prolonged captivity of schoolchildren and educators could further undermine confidence in the safety of schools, especially in rural areas where security concerns have become increasingly prominent.
As pressure mounts on authorities, families of the victims continue to hold out hope for a breakthrough. For many residents, the priority remains the safe return of every teacher and pupil affected by the Oyo abduction, regardless of the strategy adopted to secure their release.
With emotions running high and protests showing no sign of slowing down, attention is now focused on whether ongoing efforts by security agencies and government officials will finally lead to the freedom of those still being held captive.
