Oyo Principal Describes Fear During 56-Day Captivity

Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the Principal of Community High School in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, was among 46 individuals abducted on May 15 by armed men.

The group included pupils, teachers, and school officials. Tragically, two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and John Olaleye, were killed during the incident.

The victims were rescued on July 10 in an intelligence-led military operation. During a thanksgiving service at Antioch Baptist Church in Ogbomoso, Mrs.

Alamu shared her harrowing experience, stating that the seventh week of captivity was particularly difficult due to intensified military airstrikes. She expressed that the fear of the airstrikes became greater than that of the kidnappers, as they were exposed and vulnerable.

The captors initially indicated they would release the hostages after a promise from the Oyo State governor, but the situation escalated with the military operations. Alamu recounted a moment when the camp commander threatened to kill another hostage, but ultimately, they were moved to a different location.