Rescued Oyo Principal Narrates 56-Day Nightmare: Kidnappers Forced Pupils, Teachers on Treks to Evade Troops

Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has described how kidnappers forced her and 43 others on exhausting night-time treks through dense forests for nearly two months.

Mrs Alamu, speaking after the victims were handed over to the state government on Monday, said the abductors frequently relocated the captives whenever they suspected security forces were closing in. ‘Once they believed the place had been discovered, we would start moving around 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.,’ she said. ‘Sometimes we walked for three to four hours at night. That is why you can see bruises on our bodies.’

While the kidnappers carried the three youngest children, older pupils had to carry smaller ones and trek long distances despite exhaustion. ‘They carried the youngest three children. The secondary school girls carried some of the smaller pupils, while the others had to walk. We fell many times,’ she recounted.

The captives spent most of their time exposed to harsh weather, sleeping in the open under sun and rain. Food was only provided in the first week, and then stopped. ‘We kept going because there was no way out. We believed only God could help us,’ Mrs Alamu said.

The principal, who has served for 28 years, said she is uncertain about returning to a remote posting. ‘Returning to such a remote area will take the grace of God,’ she revealed.

The 56-day captivity ended after coordinated rescue operations involving the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, SSS, NSCDC, Amotekun, local hunters, and vigilantes. Three teachers, including beheaded mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, lost their lives. Governor Seyi Makinde said the victims would be under medical observation before reuniting with families.

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