The Principal of Community High School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Folake Alamu, has shared the painful details of the 56 days she and other abducted teachers and pupils spent in captivity, revealing that they lost two colleagues and were forced to trek for four hours through the forest before regaining freedom.
Mrs. Alamu spoke on Monday while addressing journalists shortly after she and the other rescued victims were officially received by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Executive Council Chambers, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Recounting the ordeal, she described the period in captivity as traumatic, saying the kidnappers relied on intimidation and fear to keep their captives under control.
“It was a harrowing experience. We went through a lot, but we knew Nigerians were praying for us while we were in captivity. The kidnappers used fear to subdue us,” she said.
The principal disclosed that the abductors killed two of their colleagues during the period of captivity, describing the incidents as heartbreaking.
“They killed Mr. Micheal on the second day we got there, while Deacon was killed on the first Sunday in June,” she said.
According to her, shortly before they were released, the kidnappers ordered the victims to embark on a lengthy night trek through the forest.
“We walked in the bush for about four hours at night, and that’s why we have bruises all over our bodies,” she explained.
Mrs. Alamu, however, dismissed rumours that any of the victims suffered sexual assault while in captivity.
“There was no sexual assault,” she stated.
Speaking on her future, the visibly emotional school principal said she had not decided whether she would return to the classroom after the traumatic experience.
“With time, I believe I will heal. But from Ogbomoso to where I work is already a long distance, and I have worked for 28 years already. I don’t know what to do about that for now, but with time, I believe I will be able to make a decision,” she said.
Despite the painful experience, she expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of the survivors and appreciated the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies and Nigerians for their prayers and support throughout the ordeal.
“We thank God for not leaving us. We thank the government for rescuing us, and we thank Nigerians for their prayers and support throughout our ordeal,” she added.
Mrs. Alamu was among the teachers and pupils abducted by gunmen while travelling through Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that drew nationwide condemnation and renewed concerns over insecurity in schools.
Following their rescue after 56 days in captivity, the victims were taken to the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division Hospital in Odogbo, Ibadan, where they received medical attention before being formally reunited with Governor Makinde.
The governor commended the security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release and assured the rescued teachers, pupils and their families of continued government support to aid their physical and psychological recovery.
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