The Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo State, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, has narrated the harrowing 56-day ordeal she and other abducted teachers and pupils endured in captivity, revealing that their abductors executed two captives in a bid to force the government to meet their demands.
Folawe spoke on Monday during the official handover of the rescued victims to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde by the Nigerian Army, describing their experience as traumatic and filled with fear, uncertainty and constant threats to their lives.
According to her, what began as a normal school day on May 15 quickly turned into a nightmare when armed bandits attacked the schools and whisked them away into the bush.
She said the captives spent 56 days in the forest, enduring severe physical and psychological hardship before they were eventually rescued.
Folawe disclosed that the kidnappers repeatedly employed fear and intimidation, telling the victims that the government had abandoned them and was no longer interested in securing their freedom.
Despite the threats, she said the captives remained hopeful and drew strength from the belief that Nigerians were praying for their safe return.
The school principal further revealed that the kidnappers deliberately killed two of the abductees to mount pressure on the government.
According to her, a victim identified as Mr. Michael was killed on the second day of their captivity, while another identified simply as Deacon was executed on the first Sunday of June.
She said the killings were intended to compel the authorities to yield to the kidnappers’ demands.
Folawe noted that although the survivors have regained their freedom, the emotional trauma of the experience remains.
“We have scars already, but we believe that with time we will heal,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and Nigerians for their support, prayers and efforts that contributed to their rescue.
The victims were abducted on May 15 after gunmen invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
