“Sharia Law Demand is False” — Kidnapped Oyo Vice Principal Reveals Real Condition for Release

IBADAN, NIGERIA — In a dramatic and emotional video statement released today, the kidnapped Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, in Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Folawe Alamu, has strongly refuted viral reports claiming that her captors are demanding the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for the release of dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers. Speaking under duress but with remarkable clarity, Mrs. Alamu described the Sharia law narrative as “totally false” and pleaded with both the federal and state governments to focus on the real demand of the armed group holding them hostage.

Contrary to widespread disinformation circulating on social media, the Vice Principal stated that the abductors have made only one consistent demand. She declared in the video, “The reports going round that the terrorists are asking for the implementation of Sharia law is totally false. They only want their detained members to be released.” Mrs. Alamu emphasized that no religious or ideological conditions have been placed on the hostages’ freedom. She appealed to the government to verify facts before reacting to rumours, warning that false narratives could endanger the lives of the remaining captives.

In her most impassioned moment, Mrs. Alamu begged government officials — from President Bola Tinubu down to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde — to resist the temptation to politicize the hostage crisis. “This is not about politics. This is about innocent children and teachers who have spent weeks in the bush, exposed to cold, rain, and sun,” she said. “Please, do not play politics with our condition. Just negotiate with them. Dialogue with them. Force will only get us killed.” Her plea comes nearly three weeks after the abduction, which occurred during coordinated attacks on schools in the Ogbomoso area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.

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The false Sharia law claim began circulating widely on social media platforms, with unverified posts alleging that the kidnappers had issued four demands including a N1 billion ransom payable into a Benin Republic bank account, two Hilux vehicles, the release of prison inmates, and the implementation of Sharia law in Oyo State. However, Mrs. Alamu’s video directly contradicts these claims, and no independent verification has supported the original rumours. The Vice Principal stressed that spreading such misinformation only worsens the situation for the hostages.

The false reports had already provoked outrage, prompting the Muslim Community in Oyo State to issue a formal statement rejecting any link between the kidnappers and Islamic law. In a statement signed by Chairman Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni and Secretary-General Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the group said, “The protection of human life remains a fundamental principle of Islam. These criminals do not represent our faith. The public should not associate their actions with any religion.”

So far, the Oyo State Government has maintained that security agencies are working on a rescue mission. Governor Seyi Makinde has assured citizens that federal operatives have been deployed to the forests where the hostages are believed to be held. However, the Oyo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, has rejected calls for direct negotiation, arguing that paying ransoms or negotiating with terrorists would embolden criminal networks. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to Mrs. Alamu’s latest video.

The case has drawn national and international attention due to the involvement of schoolchildren, the gruesome killing of teacher Michael Oyedokun by the captors earlier in the crisis, and now the explosive misinformation about Sharia law that threatened to inflame religious tensions in the South-West region. Mrs. Alamu’s statement serves as both a clarification and a cry for help — one that places the responsibility for truth and action squarely on government shoulders. As the standoff continues, all eyes remain on the security forces and the presidency. For the families of the abducted children and teachers, every hour feels like an eternity. One thing is now clear: the real demand is not about religion or ideology. It is about prisoners — and the government must decide whether to negotiate, raid, or risk further loss of innocent lives.

Vice Principal Mrs. Folawe Alamu, kidnapped along with Oyo schoolchildren, releases a video debunking claims that her captors demand Sharia law. She says the kidnappers only want their members released

Sophia Egbueje #TRUMP2028 | Iyabo Obasanjo | Guards | Ayra Starr | Gistlover pic.twitter.com/afyOcJ0Adk

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“Sharia Law Demand is False” — Kidnapped Oyo Vice Principal Reveals Real Condition for Release

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigeria Reschedules Evacuation Flight for Citizens From South Africa

The Federal Government has rescheduled the airlifting of the first batch of Nigerian citizens willing to return home from South Africa, following recent reports of renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Black foreign nationals in parts of the country.

The announcement was made on Monday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who said the evacuation exercise initially planned for Monday has now been shifted to Wednesday due to logistical and operational considerations.

According to the ministry, President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Nigerian carrier Air Peace, as part of efforts to safely repatriate citizens who have expressed interest in returning home.

Ebienfa explained that the first flight is expected to convey about 270 Nigerian returnees from Johannesburg, while additional flights will follow in subsequent batches until all registered citizens are evacuated.

He also confirmed that the ongoing screening and verification of Nigerians willing to return has been extended to Wednesday to allow more affected persons to be captured in the process.

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“So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he said, adding that the extension was necessary to ensure that all eligible returnees are properly documented before departure.

Officials said the screening exercise is being coordinated by Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African authorities and relevant international agencies to ensure a smooth evacuation process.

The Federal Government’s decision comes amid renewed concern over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where reports of attacks on foreign nationals have triggered fear among migrant communities and prompted several African countries to take protective measures for their citizens.

Nigeria had earlier opened registration for citizens willing to return home following the unrest, with over 1,000 Nigerians reportedly indicating interest in voluntary repatriation due to safety concerns, harassment, and insecurity in affected areas.

The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all Nigerians who wish to leave, while continuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities over the protection of foreign nationals.

Authorities also noted that all necessary permits and clearances for the evacuation flights are being secured to avoid delays, with the first aircraft expected to depart Johannesburg in the evening of the revised date.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that updates will be provided as the evacuation exercise progresses.

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigeria Reschedules Evacuation Flight for Citizens From South Africa

Lagos Police Dismiss School Bandit Attack Threat, Deploy Security to Schools

LAGOS – The Lagos State Police Command has officially dismissed fears over a circulating threat letter claiming that bandits planned to target and abduct schoolchildren in the state. The Command stated that no verifiable intelligence supports such a threat, while simultaneously ordering heightened security deployment to schools and strategic locations as a precautionary measure. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, June 8, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the Command was aware of the report but urged parents, guardians, school authorities, and residents to remain calm. “There is presently no verified intelligence indicating any imminent threat of such an attack within Lagos State,” Adebisi said. “While every security concern is treated with the utmost seriousness, members of the public are advised to remain calm and avoid panic.” The threat letter, which circulated widely on social media, warned of a planned bandit attack and abduction of pupils, sparking anxiety among parents and school administrators across Lagos. However, the police command moved swiftly to assess the situation and provide reassurance.

The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai, has directed an immediate assessment of the situation and ordered the implementation of watertight security measures across the state. According to the Command, police personnel working alongside other security agencies have been deployed to ensure the safety of schools, critical infrastructure, and vulnerable communities. “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has directed immediate assessment of the situation and ordered watertight security measures across the affected area and other strategic locations within the State,” the police statement read. Officials confirmed that operatives have been dispatched to protect schools, important infrastructure, and communities as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture. The Command further stated that security authorities will not tolerate any attempt by criminal elements to instill fear or disrupt public order in Lagos State.

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The Lagos State Police Command issued a stern warning to miscreants, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals attempting to threaten the peace and safety of residents. “The Command will not tolerate any attempt by miscreants, bandits, kidnappers, or other criminal elements to threaten the peace and safety of residents,” Adebisi said. “Anyone found engaging in acts capable of causing fear or insecurity will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.” The Command reassured citizens that Lagos remains secure and that aggressive measures are in place to prevent any breach of public safety. It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring the safety and security of all residents across the state.

The police command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security services with timely and credible information, emphasizing that effective policing relies on public participation. Members of the public were advised to report any suspicious persons, objects, movements, or activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency contact numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929. “It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all residents across Lagos State,” the Command stated, assuring the public that all hands are on deck to ensure the continued safety, security, and well-being of every resident of Lagos State.

Lagos Police Dismiss School Bandit Attack Threat, Deploy Security to Schools