Rescued victims narrate forced night treks, harsh forest conditions and abuse, as Makinde receives them in Ibadan

The principal of Community High School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has recounted the traumatic 56-day ordeal she, her pupils and fellow teachers endured after being abducted by gunmen in May 2026.

Speaking on Monday during their formal reception by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Alamu described a harrowing experience marked by fear, exhaustion and survival in harsh forest conditions.

According to her, the victims spent most of their time in captivity in open forest areas, exposed to difficult weather while struggling to keep the children calm and hopeful.

She revealed that the abductors punished the children whenever they cried or made noise, fearing it could expose their location to security operatives. The situation was particularly difficult for the younger pupils, who faced stricter control and frequent punishment.

Alamu said the captives were also forced to embark on long treks through the forest, mostly at night, whenever the kidnappers suspected security forces were closing in.

“The movement usually started in the evening and lasted for hours,” she said, noting that the difficult terrain left many of them weak and injured.

She added that male teachers were subjected to harsher conditions, often restrained and closely monitored throughout the period of captivity. Despite the ordeal, she confirmed that none of the victims suffered sexual assault.

Alamu expressed gratitude to God, security agencies and all those who supported efforts toward their rescue, noting that faith and resilience helped them endure the experience.

The victims were freed during a coordinated security operation after 56 days in captivity. They are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support to aid their recovery and reintegration into normal life.