The abducted principal of Community High School, Esiele in Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has made a desperate appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde, warning that the lives of kidnapped teachers and schoolchildren are now in greater danger after an attempted rescue operation.
In an emotional video recorded from captivity, the visibly shaken principal said the kidnappers had selected one of the victims to be killed following what she described as a forceful intervention by security operatives.
“Please, I am begging the government. President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde should help us by negotiating with these people,” she pleaded.
“They should not use force. What happened yesterday has only worsened our suffering. One of us has already been picked to be killed because the government tried to rescue us by force.”
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Mrs. Alamu said the abductees had spent 13 days in captivity under terrible conditions, enduring both heavy rain and scorching sun while trapped deep inside the forest.
“We are suffering here. Both old and young people are together in this place. We are begging the government not to fight them. Whatever they ask for, please give it to them so we can return alive,” she said in another video message delivered in Yoruba.
One of the abducted teachers, Mary Akanbi, who is nursing a baby, also joined the emotional appeal, urging Governor Makinde to negotiate with the kidnappers to save their lives.
The victims were abducted after heavily armed gunmen invaded schools and nearby communities in Esiele and Yawota areas of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attackers reportedly stormed LA Primary School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esiele, firing repeatedly and throwing the communities into panic.
During the invasion, at least one teacher was killed, while Mrs. Alamu, two vice principals, several teachers and schoolchildren were whisked away into the forest.
Residents said the gunmen, who allegedly wore military camouflage, forced the principal to drive the abducted children deeper into a forest reserve using her Toyota Corolla before setting the vehicle ablaze.
The burnt vehicle was later discovered near one of the forest entrances by community members.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government said security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, police operatives, Amotekun, Civil Defence Agro Rangers and local hunters, had launched coordinated operations around forest corridors believed to be the kidnappers’ hideout.
Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, worried parents and residents continue to beg the government to prioritise negotiation to ensure the safe return of the abducted teachers and children.
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