“They Killed Our Colleagues to Pressure Government” – Rescued Oyo Principal Recounts Captivity

“They Killed Our Colleagues to Pressure Government” – Rescued Oyo Principal Recounts 56 Days in Captivity

The principal of one of the schools affected by the recent mass abduction in Oyo State has shared a heartbreaking account of the 56 days she and dozens of pupils and teachers spent in captivity. Speaking after regaining her freedom, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, revealed that the kidnappers allegedly killed two fellow captives during the ordeal in an attempt to pressure the government into meeting their demands.

Her emotional testimony has provided Nigerians with one of the clearest descriptions yet of the suffering endured by the victims before they were rescued.

Mrs. Folawe was among the teachers and pupils abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims spent nearly two months in captivity before security forces successfully rescued them during a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force. Although the victims have regained their freedom, many continue to struggle with the physical and emotional impact of the experience.

Recounting the frightening experience, the principal said the kidnappers deliberately killed two captives to intensify pressure on the authorities. According to her, one victim was reportedly killed only a few days after the abduction, while another lost his life several weeks later. She explained that the killings created fear among the remaining captives and left lasting emotional scars.

Mrs. Folawe described the trauma as something that would take time to overcome, saying that while they had survived, the painful memories would remain with them for a long time.

The victims eventually regained their freedom after a joint security operation that lasted several weeks. Authorities have stated that the rescue was achieved without negotiating the release of detained criminal suspects and that several suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation. The successful rescue brought relief to families who had endured weeks of uncertainty while praying for the safe return of their loved ones.

Despite the trauma they experienced, Mrs. Folawe expressed appreciation to the security agencies involved in the rescue operation. She also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Nigerians who supported the families through prayers and encouragement during the difficult period.

She noted that without the efforts of the rescue teams, many of the victims might never have returned home.

The incident has once again highlighted the security challenges facing schools in some parts of Nigeria. Education stakeholders continue to advocate stronger security measures, particularly in rural communities where schools may be more vulnerable to criminal attacks. Experts have called for increased surveillance, improved intelligence gathering, faster emergency response systems, and stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies.

Mental health professionals say victims of kidnapping often require long-term emotional and psychological support after their release. Children and teachers who survive such experiences may continue to struggle with anxiety, fear, and emotional distress long after returning home. Many have therefore urged governments to complement rescue efforts with counselling, rehabilitation, and educational support programmes to help victims recover.

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Mrs. Alamu Folawe’s account offers a sobering reminder of the human cost of kidnapping and insecurity. While the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers has brought hope to many Nigerians, her testimony also underscores the urgent need to strengthen security around schools and protect innocent citizens from similar tragedies.

As investigations continue and security agencies pursue those responsible, the focus now shifts to helping survivors heal and ensuring that such incidents become increasingly difficult to repeat.