The husband of Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the Principal of Community High School, Esiele, in Oyo State, has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to intensify efforts to secure the release of his wife and other victims abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.
Mrs. Alamu was among teachers, pupils and residents abducted when armed men attacked schools and communities in the Esiele and Yawota areas on Friday.
Reports indicated that the attackers stormed LA Primary School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esiele, shooting sporadically. At least one teacher was reportedly killed, while another was allegedly murdered in captivity. Several teachers and pupils were also taken hostage.
Speaking during a meeting with Governor Makinde, Mrs. Alamu’s husband expressed appreciation for the government’s response but urged the governor not to relent in efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.
“I’m the husband of the principal of Community High School, Esiele, who was abducted by gunmen. Our governor, we thank you. No way we can thank you enough because we know the efforts you have made since the incident occurred,” he said.
He added: “All our people being held captive by these people, please do not get tired, sir. It is my wife they have been using in the videos being circulated. It is very disheartening and depressing.”
The distraught husband reportedly broke down in tears as Governor Makinde comforted him and assured him that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abductees.
In videos released from captivity, Mrs. Alamu appealed to the government to intervene through dialogue.
“Please, I am here again to beg the government to help us and dialogue with these people,” she said.
According to her, a previous security operation had worsened the captives’ situation.
“The force they used yesterday has caused us so much pain. One of us has been picked, and they say they are going to kill him because the government tried to help us by force,” she stated.
She further pleaded: “We want you to call them and dialogue with them so that our lives will be saved.”
Another abducted teacher, Mary Akanbi, also appealed to the governor for intervention.
“We are pleading with Governor Seyi Makinde, please help us and negotiate with these people. Whatever they want, please give to them. We are all here — the teachers and the students,” she said.
