‘They Were Killed Intentionally’: Freed Oyo Principal Recounts 56-Day Ordeal
Ahead of the arraignment of the terrorists, the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, has disclosed that two teachers were killed so as to create leverage for the terrorists to extort money from the state over the release of the school’s pupils and teachers.
The former Army commander disclosed the matter to journalists in Ibadan on Monday after he and his men were released alongside 366 other captives after 56 days in captivity by the rebels.
On 15 May 2026, armed terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Local Government Area of Oyo State, Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele Local Government Area of Oyo State and LA Primary School, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State resulting into the abduction of the pupils and teachers.
In her narration, Alamu said the kidnappers beat the children and teachers several times during their captivity and beat and used violence to intimidate the affected people.
She said they were killed intentionally by believing that would compel the government to give them what they wanted.
The principal said that Mr Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, was killed on the second day after the abduction and another teacher, known as Deacon, was murdered on the first Sunday of June.
The 56-day ordeal was a traumatic experience for the children and teachers, who endured fear, uncertainty and harsh conditions while they were in the terrorists’ custody, she said.
Last Friday, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies conducted a prolonged operation that freed the affected persons.
The freed pupils and teachers were handed over to the Oyo State Government for medical evaluation, trauma treatment, psychological evaluation and subsequent reintegration with the families.
Governor Makinde has pledged the state government will keep making medical treatment, psychosocial support, education and rehabilitation services available to support the affected children and teachers to recover from the physical and emotional ravages of the abductions.
Child protection groups have emphasized that the “typical” child recovery process should not stop when the child is freed, but should continue with ongoing mental health assistance, safe return to school, return to family, and increased protection of schools and prevention of future attacks on children.
