Mrs. Racheal Alamu, the principal of a secondary school in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, who was abducted along with teachers and students, has described their terrifying 56-day captivity.
She disclosed that male teachers were blindfolded and chained, children were beaten into silence, and victims were frequently made to make perilous treks through forests at midnight in order to avoid security personnel.
After being formally turned over to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, along with the rescued teachers and students, Mrs. Alamu spoke today. Local and state governments.
She said;
“You can only imagine it. It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, most of the time, under the sun and under the rain, with the children. But we kept going because there was no way out.“
“We knew it was only God that could help us, and we believed people were praying for us. That kept us going.”
“Personally, I was not beaten, but some of the children were beaten. What they hated most was noise because they believed it could attract attention.“
“The youngest children suffered the most. They would tie their mouths with pieces of cloth and beat them very well.”
She also revealed that the male members of the group suffered even harsher treatment, adding, “The men had it worse than us. They were blindfolded, handcuffed and chained on their legs.”
Despite the harsh conditions, Alamu said none of the victims was s.exually molested during the period in captivity, saying, “There was no form of molestation.”
“When the place was discovered, we had to move, and that usually started around seven or eight at night. Sometimes we walked for three to four hours. That is why you see bruises on our bodies.”
“The younger ones were carried, but the older children had to walk. They fell many times. It was very difficult.”
Alamu also narrated how the victims were initially transported deeper into the forest after the abduction, saying, “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.”
“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.”
The children and their teachers have endured unimaginable hardships, and it is truly heartbreaking to see such suffering happening in a country like ours. Their resilience in the face of such adversity is commendable, and we are grateful for their safe return.
Our hearts go out in sympathy to the families of the two teachers who lost their lives in this ordeal. May we continue to work towards a safer and more compassionate society where such tragedies are a thing of the past.
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One ❤️❤️❤️
Rose Ajieh
