Principal of the secondary school abducted alongside teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has narrated the traumatic 56-day ordeal in captivity, revealing that kidnappers tied children’s mouths with cloth, beat them into silence, and forced victims to undertake dangerous nighttime treks through forests to evade security operatives.
Alamu spoke on Monday after she, the rescued teachers and pupils were formally handed over to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
The victims were abducted by gunmen on May 15, 2026, and spent nearly two months in captivity before they were rescued by security agencies.
Recounting the experience, Alamu said the victims lived in the open forest throughout the period, enduring harsh weather while trying to keep the children safe and emotionally stable.
“It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, under the sun and rain, with the children. We believed only God could help us, and we knew people were praying for us,” she said.
She disclosed that although she was not physically assaulted, several younger pupils were severely beaten whenever they cried or made noise.
“The kidnappers hated noise because they believed it could attract attention. The youngest children suffered the most. They tied their mouths with pieces of cloth and beat them very well,” she said.
Alamu, however, said none of the victims was sexually assaulted during the period in captivity.
She explained that the kidnappers frequently relocated the captives whenever they suspected security forces were closing in, forcing both adults and children to trek through difficult terrain under the cover of darkness.
“When our location was discovered, we had to move, usually from around 7 or 8 p.m. Sometimes we walked for three to four hours. That is why you see bruises on our bodies,” she said.
According to her, while the youngest children were carried by the abductors, the older pupils were forced to walk long distances and often fell along the way.
She also narrated how the victims were initially transported deeper into the forest after the abduction.
“My car was used to convey us to where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. From there, we walked for about one hour before they brought motorcycles. About 10 motorcycles conveyed us for more than four hours through bush paths they knew very well,” she recalled.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Alamu admitted she now fears returning to a rural posting despite having only about four years left before retirement.
“I have worked for 28 years. Going to rural areas again will take the grace of God. I just want to see my husband. When I get home, I can think of every other thing,” she said.
She added that the male victims endured even harsher treatment.
“The men had it worse than us. They were blindfolded, handcuffed and chained on their legs,” Alamu said.
