Oyo Abduction Aftermath: Hero Soldier Laid to Rest as Rescued Principal Speaks Out
The principal of Ahoro Esinle School and dozens of abducted students and teachers endured a 56-day traumatic captivity in Oyo State, marked by psychological intimidation and the tragic execution of two colleagues. A Nigerian Army officer also lost his life during the rescue operation, bringing the harrowing ordeal to an end.
An incident of mass abduction in the Oriire local government area of Oyo State saw Mrs. Rachael Alamu, identified as the principal of Ahoro Esinle School (also referred to as Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele), along with 43 students and pupils, and other teachers, taken captive on May 15. The ordeal, which lasted 56 days, subjected the victims to a traumatic experience at the hands of their abductors.
During their prolonged captivity, the principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, recounted the severe psychological intimidation employed by the kidnappers. She revealed that the abductors repeatedly used fear, telling them the government had abandoned them and no longer cared for their fate, aiming to subdue and weaken their resolve. Despite this, there were moments the captives held onto hope, sustained by the belief that Nigerians were praying for them.
Tragically, the kidnappers resorted to extreme measures to pressure the government, deliberately executing two of Mrs. Alamu's colleagues. Mr. Michael was killed on the second day of captivity, and Deacon was killed on the first Sunday in June. These killings, Mrs. Alamu stated, were carried out because the abductors believed it would force the government to meet their demands. Upon their eventual release, the survivors discovered the extent of public concern and prayer for their safety.
The successful rescue operation, which ultimately secured the freedom of the abductees, came at a significant cost. Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, a 28-year-old officer of the Nigerian Army, was tragically killed while leading troops in the rescue efforts. Reports vary on the precise circumstances of his death, with some stating his convoy was hit by explosives set by terrorists at the National Park in Oyo, while others suggest he ran into a landmine planted by Ansaru terrorists, who have been identified as the group behind the abduction. Lt. Isaac was honored with a full military burial at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10.
The release of the captives occurred on varying reported dates: Friday, July 10, Friday, July 12, or Monday, July 13. Following their freedom, expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving ensued. Professor Alamu, Mrs. Alamu's husband, led a thanksgiving service at First Baptist Church on July 12, praising God for the safe return of his wife and the other victims. Mrs. Alamu Folawe, speaking after the official handover of the rescued victims to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde by the Nigerian Army, conveyed her gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, all security agencies involved, and the Nigerian populace whose prayers offered immense support throughout their ordeal.
While expressing relief and thankfulness, Mrs. Alamu acknowledged that the survivors bear lasting emotional scars from their traumatic experience. She expressed hope that with time, they would heal from the profound impact of their captivity.