Children were severely beaten – rescued Oyo principal narrates ordeal in kidnappers' den

The principal of a secondary school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Racheal Alamu, who was abducted alongside teachers and pupils, has recounted the harrowing 56-day ordeal they endured in captivity.

Alamu disclosed that the abductors subjected the victims to severe hardship, alleging that children were beaten to keep them quiet, while male teachers were chained and blindfolded. She also said the victims were repeatedly forced to embark on dangerous midnight treks through forests to evade security operatives.

The principal spoke on Monday after she, alongside the rescued teachers and pupils, was officially received by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at the Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Recounting how they were moved after the abduction, Alamu said the kidnappers used her vehicle to transport them to a location where they met primary school pupils and their teacher before taking them deeper into the forest.

Mrs. Racheal Alamu

"My car was used to convey us to a point where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. From there, we walked for about one hour before they brought motorcycles. About 10 motorcycles were used to move us for more than four hours through bush paths they knew very well," she said.

Reflecting on the traumatic experience, Alamu admitted that returning to work in remote rural communities would be difficult.

"I have worked for 28 years and I have just about four years to retire. Going to rural areas now will take the grace of God.

"Before this happened, I had already sacrificed a lot because of the distance. Now, coupled with this experience, I don't know what will happen. I want to see my husband. When I get home, I can think of every other thing," she said.