What Rescued Oyo Principal Said About 56 Days With Kidnappers.

Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has spoken about her experience after spending 56 days in captivity with kidnappers.

Mrs. Alamu was among 44 pupils and 7 teachers abducted on May 15, 2026 from three schools in Oriire LGA. They were released last week following a joint security operation coordinated by federal authorities. Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the abduction.

Speaking after her release, the principal described the weeks in the bush as painful. According to her husband, Professor Wale Alamu, who spoke to journalists after the rescue, the family went through eight weeks of anguish before receiving the news of their freedom. Professor Alamu said the successful rescue reflected collective efforts and thanked the Presidency, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians across religious and social divides for their support.

While still in captivity, Mrs. Alamu appeared in videos where she pleaded with government not to use force in rescuing them. In one of the videos, she said they were exposed to harsh weather conditions. She explained that she, the children and other adults were in the cold, under the sun and under the rain. She begged President Bola Tinubu and Governor Makinde to dialogue with the abductors because the use of force was putting their lives at risk. She also alleged that one of the victims had been picked by the kidnappers after security operatives attempted a rescue and the kidnappers threatened to kill him.

Mrs. Alamu also addressed claims that the kidnappers demanded one billion naira and the implementation of Sharia law. She said those reports were not true and that they were only being used to create problems. According to her, the only demand communicated by the abductors was the release of some individuals in custody. She appealed to Nigerians not to politicize their situation.

Since their release, the victims have been reunited with their families. The Oyo State Government said priority will be placed on rehabilitation and medical care for all those rescued. Governor Makinde’s administration has also restated its commitment to working with security agencies to rid the state of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The Christian Association of Nigeria and other groups have commended the security agencies for the patience and intelligence that guided the operation. Families of the victims say they are grateful that the ordeal has ended, but they are calling on government to take steps to prevent a recurrence.

We at DESSY'S BLOG will continue to follow up on the rehabilitation of the rescued pupils and teachers.

_Source: Vanguard News, statements from Prof. Wale Alamu and Oyo State Government.

Watch the video:

video