By Peace Udugba
One of the teachers rescued after being abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, has recounted the traumatic 56-day ordeal she and other teachers and pupils endured in captivity, revealing that the kidnappers deliberately killed two of their colleagues in an attempt to pressure the government.
Speaking after regaining her freedom on Monday, Mrs. Folawe said the abductors repeatedly used fear and psychological tactics to weaken the resolve of the victims, insisting that the government was no longer interested in securing their release.
According to her, the kidnappers intentionally executed two members of the group to increase pressure on the authorities and force negotiations.
“A relief to us is that Nigerians were praying for us. Many times, they used fear to subdue us. At one point, they told us the government wasn’t interested in our case anymore because they didn’t value us. But there were times we held on to hope that we would come out alive,” she said.
Mrs. Folawe said the unwavering prayers and support of Nigerians gave the victims strength throughout their captivity despite the kidnappers’ attempts to instill fear and hopelessness.
She expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians for standing by them during the difficult period and also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and the security agencies for their relentless efforts, which ultimately led to their rescue.
The rescued principal said the successful operation has restored hope to the victims and their families after weeks of uncertainty and anguish, describing their freedom after 56 days in captivity as a testament to resilience and the commitment of the authorities to securing their safe return.
