Kidnapped Oyo School Principal Urges Government to Consider Talks as Captivity Enters Fourth Week
A school principal abducted during a deadly attack on schools in Oyo State has appealed to the government to explore negotiations that could help secure the release of dozens of pupils and teachers still being held by their captors.
The appeal comes as the victims’ captivity enters its fourth week, with families growing increasingly anxious over the absence of a breakthrough in efforts to secure their freedom.
Gunmen attacked three schools near Ogbomoso on May 15, 2026, abducting 39 pupils between the ages of two and sixteen, alongside seven teachers. The attackers also killed a teacher and an assistant headmaster during the assault, leaving families and communities in shock.
Principal Speaks From Captivity
In a recently released video, one of the abducted victims, identified as Alamu, challenged reports circulating in some sections of the media about the demands allegedly made by the kidnappers.
According to him, the abductors have neither demanded a ₦1 billion ransom nor imposed religious conditions on those being held.
Instead, Alamu claimed that the kidnappers want the authorities to engage in discussions aimed at securing the release of certain prisoners. He urged government officials to consider dialogue as a possible option for bringing the victims home safely.
His remarks have added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation surrounding the abduction and the best strategy for securing the release of those still in captivity.
Families Continue to Wait for Answers
More than three weeks after the attack, relatives of the abducted pupils and teachers say they remain desperate for positive news.
Many families have continued to appeal to the government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, insisting that every available resource should be deployed to secure the victims’ release.
Some relatives have reportedly turned down offers of financial assistance, maintaining that their primary concern is the safe return of their loved ones rather than material support.
The prolonged ordeal has deepened fears among parents and residents, while also renewing concerns about the safety of schools in vulnerable communities.
Debate Grows Over Rescue Options
The video message has triggered fresh debate about how authorities should respond to the situation.
Nigeria’s official policy generally discourages ransom payments and negotiations with criminal groups. However, some affected families believe that authorities should consider every lawful option capable of saving lives and ending the ordeal.
Others argue that yielding to the demands of kidnappers could encourage future abductions and strengthen criminal networks responsible for such attacks.
As discussions continue, security agencies have maintained rescue operations but have not announced any major breakthrough in the case.
Hope for a Safe Reunion
Despite the uncertainty, families say they remain hopeful that the abducted pupils and teachers will be reunited with their loved ones.
Community leaders, religious organisations, and education stakeholders have continued to call for urgent action, warning that prolonged captivity can have serious emotional and psychological effects on victims, particularly young children.
For many families, concerning the Kidnapped Oyo School Principal, the focus remains on one goal: bringing the children and teachers home safely.
As rescue efforts continue, Nigerians across the country are closely monitoring developments and hoping for a peaceful resolution to a tragedy that has captured national attention.
