The abducted Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Rachael Alamu, has pleaded in a video from captivity for urgent intervention following last Friday’s mass abduction of teachers and pupils.
Alamu was among seven teachers and 39 pupils abducted when armed bandits attacked multiple schools in the Oriire area on Friday.
The attackers reportedly stormed Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele during coordinated early morning attacks.
In the video, the visibly distressed principal appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Christian Association of Nigeria, and Nigerians to help secure their release.
Alamu appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and Nigerians to help secure the release of the victims.
She said: “I am Mrs Alamu F.R.
“I am the principal of Community High School, Esiele in Oriire Local Government of Oyo State.
“On Friday, around 9:30, we were attacked by a certain group of people and a good number of us were abducted, the staff and the students as well.”
The abducted principal said the victims had remained in captivity since the attack.
She further appealed for peaceful intervention to prevent loss of lives.
Alamu said: “I am making this video to ask for help from everyone, starting from the Federal Government of Nigeria and Oyo State Government, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria and all well-meaning Nigerians that they should come to our help and settle this thing peacefully so that our lives will not be lost.”
During the attack, an assistant headmaster identified as Joel Adesiyan was shot dead, while an okada rider was also killed after reportedly resisting attempts by the gunmen to seize his motorcycle.
The attackers allegedly abducted seven teachers and 39 pupils and students before fleeing through the Old Oyo National Park forest corridor.
Four motorcycles were also reportedly snatched from villagers during the operation.
Among the abducted teachers were Ojo Jonathan, Olatunde Zacchaeus, John Olaleye, Michael Oyedokun, M. Oladeji, and Mary Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
