“We Are Dying in the Bush”: Abducted Oyo Principal Pleads with Tinubu, Makinde to Negotiate
The abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, Alamu Folawe, has made a fresh emotional appeal from captivity, urging President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to negotiate with abductors rather than use force.
Her message comes as the Oyo school abduction crisis continues, with 39 students and seven teachers still held following the attack in Oriire Local Government Area. The appeal has intensified child protection concerns already surrounding the incident.
Speaking in a video shared online, the principal said abductees, including children, have spent 13 days in harsh bush conditions. She described exposure to rain, heat, and cold, calling for urgent intervention to save lives.
She warned that previous attempts to apply force worsened the situation. According to her, one abductee has reportedly been singled out for possible execution after a rescue attempt.
“We don’t need force. Please negotiate with them,” she pleaded, stressing that dialogue remained the safest path to secure the release of children and teachers still in captivity.
The renewed appeal follows earlier attacks in which armed men invaded schools in Oyo State, killing a teacher and a motorcyclist during the incident. Security agencies have since intensified rescue operations across forested areas in the state.
From a child protection perspective, the crisis continues to raise serious concerns. Experts warn that prolonged captivity exposes children to severe psychological trauma, fear, and long-term emotional harm.
Child rights advocates also note that repeated school attacks are disrupting education and forcing many families to keep children at home due to safety fears.
Authorities have assured that negotiations and coordinated rescue operations are ongoing. However, anxiety remains high among families awaiting the safe return of abducted pupils and teachers.
