The principal of the school attacked by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has recounted the harrowing experience she and other abducted pupils and teachers endured during their 56 days in captivity, revealing that two captives were killed to pressure the government into meeting the kidnappers’ demands.

Speaking to journalists after the victims were formally handed over to the Oyo State Government, Alamu described the ordeal as traumatic, saying the abductors relied on fear and psychological intimidation to control their captives.

“It was a harrowing experience. We went through a lot, but we knew Nigerians were praying for us while we were in captivity. The kidnappers used fear to subdue us,” she said.

According to the principal, one of the victims, identified as Mr. Michael, was killed on the second day of their captivity, while another captive, Deacon, was murdered on the first Sunday in June.

“They killed Mr. Michael on the second day we got there, while Deacon was killed on the first Sunday in June,” she said.

Alamu alleged that the killings were deliberate attempts by the abductors to compel the government to negotiate with them.

“They killed them purposely because they felt that would force the government to give them whatever they wanted,” she stated.

She added that throughout their captivity, the kidnappers repeatedly told them that the government had abandoned them, a tactic aimed at breaking their morale.

“It was 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 said.

The principal expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies and Nigerians for their prayers and support, which she said gave the captives hope during the difficult period.

She also disclosed that shortly before regaining their freedom, the victims were forced to trek through the forest for about four hours at night, leaving many of them with bruises and other injuries.

“We walked in the bush for about four hours at night, and that’s why we have bruises all over our bodies,” she explained.

Responding to questions from journalists, Alamu said none of the victims was sexually assaulted during their captivity.

On whether she would return to teaching after the traumatic experience, the principal said she was yet to make a decision.

“With time, I believe I will heal. But from Ogbomoso to where I work is already a long distance, and I have worked for 28 years already. I don’t know what to do about that for now, but with time, I believe I will be able to make a decision,” she said.

Makinde Assures Victims of Continued Support

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has formally taken custody of the rescued pupils and teachers following their release by security agencies.

The victims were handed over to the state government by the military after completing a 48-hour period of medical observation, treatment and psychological evaluation at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan.

Addressing the victims during the handover ceremony, Governor Seyi Makinde assured them that his administration would provide comprehensive support to aid their recovery and ensure the incident does not disrupt their education or careers.

“As a government, we will support every one of you. We will do everything necessary to protect the education of the pupils and the careers of the teachers so that this unfortunate incident will not define your future,” the governor said.

Makinde directed that the victims be reunited with their families, describing the reunions as an important step toward their emotional healing after spending nearly two months in captivity.

He also pledged that the state government would continue to provide medical care, psychological counselling and educational support to facilitate their full rehabilitation.

“We will take responsibility for the teachers and the pupils going forward, even as they reunite with their families. Our commitment is to ensure they recover fully and return to normal life with the support they deserve,” Makinde added.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the victims receive sustained medical, psychological and educational interventions as they rebuild their lives after the traumatic experience.