Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE principal of a school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, whose pupils and teachers were rescued after weeks in captivity, has spoken of the traumatic experience while revealing that none of the victims suffered sexual assault during their ordeal.
Mrs Rachael Alamu, addressing journalists on Monday shortly after the victims were handed over to the Oyo State Government by the Army, described the weeks of captivity as “emotionally draining” and said they survived difficult conditions by drawing strength from the belief that Nigerians were praying for their safe return.
“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.
Mrs Alamu disclosed that two teachers lost their lives during the period of captivity. “They killed Mr Micheal on the second day we got there, while Deacon was killed on the first Sunday in June,” she said, expressing gratitude to God for preserving the lives of the remaining captives.
In a further revelation, the principal said the victims were forced to trek through the forest for approximately four hours during the night before they regained their freedom, leaving many with injuries.
“We walked in the bush for about four hours at night, and that’s why we have bruises all over our bodies,” she explained.
When asked whether the traumatic experience would affect her teaching career, Mrs Alamu admitted she was still coming to terms with the ordeal and had not yet decided whether she would return to work.
“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.
The principal expressed appreciation to God for preserving their lives and thanked the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, security agencies and Nigerians for their efforts and prayers throughout their 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 said.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, confirmed that three teachers and five security operatives lost their lives during efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and staff.
The governor observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased, describing their sacrifice as heroic and stating that the state would remain grateful for their courage and commitment in the face of danger.
Governor Makinde noted that while the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers was a moment of relief, the loss of lives remained a painful reminder of the cost of combating insecurity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state and preventing similar incidents, while expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and assuring them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
