The principal of Community High School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has recounted the traumatic 56-day ordeal she endured alongside abducted teachers and pupils, revealing that kidnappers gagged children with pieces of cloth, beat them into silence, and forced the captives on long nighttime treks through forests.
Alamu spoke on Monday after she and the rescued teachers and pupils were formally handed over to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan following their rescue by security agencies.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, and spent nearly two months in captivity before regaining their freedom.
Describing their experience, Alamu said they lived in the open forest throughout the ordeal, enduring harsh weather conditions while struggling to protect the children.
“It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, most of the time, under the sun and under the rain, with the children. We kept going because there was no way out. 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 of the younger pupils were 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, noted that none of the victims was sexually assaulted during their captivity.
She also revealed that the kidnappers repeatedly relocated the captives whenever they suspected security forces had discovered their hideouts, forcing adults and children to trek for hours through forests at night.
“When the place was discovered, we had to move, usually around seven or eight at night. Sometimes we walked for three to four hours. That is why you see bruises on our bodies,” she said.
According to her, the youngest children were carried by the abductors during the treks, while older pupils had to walk long distances, often falling from exhaustion.
She recalled that shortly after the abduction, the victims were transported deeper into the forest using her vehicle before being transferred onto motorcycles.
“My car was used to convey us to where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. From there, we walked for about an hour before they brought motorcycles. About 10 motorcycles carried us for more than four hours through bush paths they knew very well,” she said.
Speaking on the psychological impact of the ordeal, Alamu admitted she was uncertain about returning to work in a rural community.
“I have worked for 28 years and have about four years left before retirement. Going back to a rural area now will take the grace of God. I want to see my husband first. When I get home, I can think about every other thing,” she said.
She added that the male captives suffered harsher treatment than the women, revealing that they were blindfolded, handcuffed and chained throughout much of their captivity.
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