Rescued Oyo Principal Recounts 56-Day Captivity

-Says Colleagues Were Killed to Pressure Government

The principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, has described the horrifying 56 days she and other abducted teachers and pupils spent in captivity, revealing that their kidnappers killed two colleagues to pressure the government into meeting their demands.

Folawe spoke on Monday during the official handover of the rescued victims to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde by the Nigerian Army. She said the abductors used fear and violence to break their spirits, leaving them with lasting emotional scars.

“It was a harrowing experience. On May 15, a Friday that started well ended in chaos for us. For 56 days, we were held in the bush. We thank God for seeing us through,” she said.

The principal recounted that the kidnappers repeatedly told them the government had abandoned them, using psychological intimidation to weaken their resolve. “They said the government was no longer interested in our case because we were not important. But we held on to hope that we would come out alive,” she added.

Folawe revealed that the abductors executed two captives to force the government’s hand. “Mr. Michael was killed on the second day, while Deacon was killed on the first Sunday in June. They did it purposely to make the government give them what they wanted,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, and the security agencies for their coordinated rescue operation, as well as to Nigerians whose prayers sustained them. “We have scars already, but we believe with time we will heal,” she said.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed bandits attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and LA Primary School, Ogbomoso, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The attack claimed the lives of an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist. The Oyo State Government subsequently shut schools in four local government areas while security agencies intensified rescue efforts.

The presidency announced last Friday that all abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued in a joint operation. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were neutralised during the operation.

He added that no ransom or prisoner exchange was made to secure the victims’ release, describing the rescue as a success for Nigeria’s security forces.

Governor Makinde commended the resilience of the victims and assured that the state would provide medical and psychological support to help them recover. He also promised uninterrupted education for pupils affected by the incident.

The rescue has drawn nationwide attention, with citizens praising the security agencies for their swift action and calling for stronger measures to prevent future abductions.

For Mrs. Folawe and her colleagues, the ordeal remains a painful reminder of the growing insecurity in parts of Nigeria. Yet, their survival stands as a testament to courage and faith amid terror.