Mrs. Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oyo State, has recounted the terrifying moments she and 43 students and teachers spent in captivity after being abducted from the school premises.
Speaking for the first time since their rescue, Mrs. Alamu described how armed men stormed the school during school hours, forcing everyone into vehicles and taking them into the forest. “We thought it was the end,” she said. “The children were crying, some of the teachers were praying. I kept telling them to be strong and to trust that help would come.”
According to the principal, the captors moved the group from one location to another over several days, with little food and no proper sleeping arrangements. She said she made it her responsibility to keep the students calm and to shield the younger ones from the worst of the experience. “As a mother and as their principal, I told them we would get out of this together. We encouraged each other with songs and prayers,” Mrs. Alamu recounted.
The group was eventually rescued in a joint operation by Oyo State security agencies, local vigilantes, and community leaders. Mrs. Alamu expressed gratitude to the government, security forces, and all who prayed for their safe return. “We are alive today because of God and because people did not give up on us,” she said.
Oyo State officials say the rescued students and teachers are receiving medical attention and psychosocial support. The state government has also pledged to strengthen security around schools across Oyo to prevent a recurrence.
Mrs. Alamu said despite the trauma, she remains committed to her students. “They are my children. School must go on. We will heal, and we will be stronger,” she added.
