‘We Went Through a Lot’: Oyo Principal Opens Up After 56 Days with Abductors

The Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Ms. Alamu Folawe, on Monday narrated her ordeal and that of other victims who were abducted and held in captivity for 56 days.

Ms. Folawe spoke during the official handover of the rescued victims to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, by the Nigerian Army in Ibadan.

She said the abductors deliberately killed two of the victims to pressure the government into meeting their demands.

“Mr. Michael was killed on the second day, while the Deacon was killed on the first Sunday in June. They killed them purposely because they felt that would force the government to give them whatever they wanted,” she said.

“It wasn’t until we got out that we discovered the whole world was on our case. We have scars already, but we believe with time we will heal,” she added.

The principal said the abductors used fear and psychological intimidation to weaken the victims, and at some point claimed the government had abandoned them.

“We’re grateful to God. On May 15, a Friday that started well, ended in chaos for us. For 56 days, we were in the bush. It was a harrowing experience, but we thank God for seeing us through. We went through a lot.

“A relief to us is that Nigerians were praying for us. Many times, they used fear to subdue us. At one point, they told us the government wasn’t interested in our case anymore because they didn’t value us. But there were times we held on to hope that we would come out alive,” she explained.

Ms. Folawe appreciated Nigerians for their prayers and thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, and the security agencies involved in the rescue operation.

Bandits had abducted the victims from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.

The abduction triggered massive protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and some human rights groups, who called on President Tinubu and Governor Makinde to ensure the victims’ immediate and safe rescue.

The victims were released on Friday.