Abducted Oyo School Principal Begs Tinubu, Makinde to Negotiate With Kidnappers

Abducted Oyo School Principal Begs Tinubu, Makinde to Negotiate With Kidnappers

Fourteen days after gunmen attacked schools in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area and abducted teachers and pupils, the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has appealed to President and Oyo State Governor to negotiate with their captors to secure their release.

Alamu, who was kidnapped during the May 15 attack alongside teachers and students, made the appeal in emotional videos released on Friday from captivity.

The gunmen had stormed schools in the Ahoro-Esinle/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso on motorcycles, targeting Community High School, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

Authorities confirmed that several teachers and pupils were abducted during the coordinated attack.

In the video, the principal pleaded with the government not to attempt a forceful rescue operation, alleging that an earlier intervention had worsened the situation for the captives.

“Please, I am begging President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to help us and dialogue with these people. They should not use force,” she said.

“The force they used yesterday has caused us pain. One of us has been singled out, and they said they will kill him because the government tried to rescue us by force.”

The abduction has sparked outrage across the country, especially following reports and videos allegedly showing a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, being killed while in captivity.

In another appeal, Alamu said the victims had spent nearly two weeks in the bush under harsh weather conditions, including rain and cold, while living in fear.

“Today makes about 13 days since we were taken from work and we are still in the bush,” she said.

“The children and all of us are here under the sun, rain and cold. Please help us. Negotiate with them. Don’t let them waste our lives.”

She also appealed to the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools and the Nigeria Union of Teachers to intervene urgently, warning that the abductors were becoming increasingly impatient.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over insecurity and the growing wave of kidnappings targeting schools and rural communities across parts of the country.