More than two weeks after the abduction of Mrs. Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, her captors have reportedly refused to negotiate with her family, insisting that all communications be conducted directly with government authorities.
This was disclosed by her husband, Professor Wole Alamu of the Department of Forest Resources Management, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), who lamented the family’s helplessness as efforts to secure direct contact with the kidnappers have proved unsuccessful.
According to Professor Alamu, the abductors have maintained communication solely through WhatsApp messages and have repeatedly stated that they are not interested in discussing the matter with family members.
“The captors have made it clear that they do not want to communicate with us. They insist on speaking only with the government, which leaves us feeling powerless. They send messages to me through WhatsApp whenever they want to communicate,” he said.
Mrs. Alamu was kidnapped on May 15, 2026, during a violent attack on Community High School in Ahoro-Esinle. The incident reportedly resulted in the deaths of some teachers, while several students and staff members were abducted by the armed assailants.
Recounting the traumatic events of that day, Professor Alamu explained that both he and his wife had left home for their respective places of work when he received a distressing phone call around 9:20 a.m. informing him of the attack.
“Whenever I go to Iseyin, my wife proceeds to Esele where she serves as principal. That morning, after we both left home, I received a call around 9:20 a.m. that she had been kidnapped. I rushed back only to discover that some teachers had been killed, while many students and teachers had been taken away. The Toyota Corolla she used for transportation was also set ablaze,” he recalled.
The university lecturer revealed that the family has not had any direct communication with Mrs. Alamu since her abduction. The only evidence that she remains alive, he noted, has come through videos allegedly recorded under duress and sent by the kidnappers.
“Since May 15, we have not heard from her personally. The only contact has been through videos she was compelled to make by her abductors,” he stated.
Despite the painful ordeal, Professor Alamu commended the Oyo State Government for its support and intervention since the incident occurred.
“We are grateful to the Executive Governor of Oyo State for standing by us. He has not abandoned us during this difficult period,” he said.
He further disclosed that the WhatsApp numbers being used by the kidnappers have been handed over to security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), expressing confidence that investigations are ongoing.
“The numbers have been submitted to the DSS and other security agencies. I believe they are working on the matter,” he added.
Describing his wife as a dedicated and selfless educationist, Professor Alamu noted that she had consistently demonstrated commitment to the development of the rural community she served. Since her posting to the school in August 2024, she had reportedly travelled approximately 62 kilometres daily to fulfill her responsibilities as principal.
“My wife had no issues with anyone in the community. She was committed to helping develop the area through education and community service. She simply came to contribute her quota to the progress of the community,” he said.
The abduction has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State and the vulnerability of schools and educational personnel to criminal attacks. Stakeholders have continued to call for intensified security measures around schools, particularly in rural communities, while urging security agencies to secure the safe rescue of all victims still in captivity.
As anxiety mounts among family members, colleagues, students and residents of the affected community, hopes remain high that ongoing security efforts will lead to the safe return of Mrs. Alamu and other abducted victims.
