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A school principal abducted nearly two weeks ago in a mass kidnapping in Oyo State has pleaded with the government to stop using force and instead negotiate with her captors, warning that a failed rescue operation has put one of the hostages at risk of execution.
Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School in Esiele, appeared in a video released on May 29, visibly distraught after 13 days in captivity following a May 15 attack on three schools that abducted pupils aged 2 to 16 and seven teachers.
“The force they used yesterday has caused us so much pain. It has added to our problem. In fact, one of us has been picked, and they said they will kill him because the government tried to help us by force,” Alamu said.
“We want you to call them and dialogue with them so that our lives will be saved.”
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— Ọládélé 🇳🇬👑 (@Theoladeledada) May 30, 2026
In another clip, the principal described the harsh conditions the victims have endured.
“Today is the 27th of May, 2026. It has been about 13 days since we were picked from work. And till now, we are still in the bush,” she said.
“We are begging you, President Tinubu, Governor Seyi, and all other well-meaning Nigerians to please help us. I am calling on ANCOPSS and NUT to help us talk to them.”
She stressed that peaceful negotiation remained the best option.
“You don’t need force. All you have to do is negotiate with them and release us. We are in the cold, under the sun and rain. The children and all of us are here. Please, we are begging you. Don’t let them waste our lives. They are getting impatient and frustrated.”
The principal’s husband broke down during a visit by Governor Seyi Makinde to Oriire Local Government Area on Saturday, where families of victims gathered to demand government action.
“My wife is the one being used to make the videos that are being circulated. It is very disheartening and depressing,” he said in Yoruba, visibly distressed.
Watch the emotional moment Mr Alamu, husband of Mrs Alamu the school principal reportedly abducted by bandits in Oyo State break down in tears as he passionately appeals to Governor Seyi Makinde for help in securing the safe rescue of his wife and the other victims. 💔so… pic.twitter.com/trXyeoTaz0
— KOMISI HQ (@HEYBIDEMI) May 30, 2026
The May 15 attack targeted three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. One teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was killed during the attack. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded in captivity.
The abductions have caused outrage and protests by parents. As of this report, it was unclear whether the kidnappers had made fresh demands to the government.
The principal’s husband urged the governor not to abandon the rescue mission.
