Oyo: Children were beaten, we were forced to trek through forest at night – School principal

By Adeola Badru

The principal of the secondary school abducted alongside teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Racheal Alamu, has recounted the harrowing 56-day ordeal in captivity, revealing that children were beaten into silence, male teachers were chained and blindfolded, and the victims were repeatedly forced to undertake dangerous midnight treks through forests to evade security operatives.

Mrs. Alamu spoke on Monday after she and the rescued teachers and pupils were officially handed over to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Describing life in captivity, Alamu said the victims spent most of the 56 days in the open forest, exposed to harsh weather conditions while struggling to keep the children alive and emotionally stable.

“You can only imagine it. It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, most of the time, under the sun and under the rain, with the children. But we kept going because there was no way out.“

“We knew it was only God that could help us, and we believed people were praying for us. That kept us going,” she said.

The principal disclosed that although she was not physically assaulted, several of the younger pupils endured severe beatings whenever they cried or made noise.

“Personally, I was not beaten, but some of the children were beaten. What they hated most was noise because they believed it could attract attention.“

“The youngest children suffered the most. They would tie their mouths with pieces of cloth and beat them very well,” she said.

She also revealed that the male members of the group suffered even harsher treatment, adding, “The men had it worse than us. They were blindfolded, handcuffed and chained on their legs.”

Despite the harsh conditions, Alamu said none of the victims was sexually molested during the period in captivity, saying, “There was no form of molestation.“

According to the principal, the kidnappers constantly relocated the captives whenever they feared their hideouts had been discovered by security forces, forcing adults and children to embark on exhausting nighttime journeys through difficult terrain.

“When the place was discovered, we had to move, and that usually started around seven or eight at night. Sometimes we walked for three to four hours. That is why you see bruises on our bodies.”

She said while the kidnappers carried the youngest children, older pupils had to endure the long walks despite repeated falls.

“The younger ones were carried, but the older children had to walk. They fell many times. It was very difficult.”

Alamu also narrated how the victims were initially transported deeper into the forest after the abduction, saying, “My car was used to convey us to a point where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher.“

“From there, we walked for about one hour before they brought motorcycles. About 10 motorcycles were used to move us for more than four hours through bush paths they knew very well.”

Reflecting on the impact of the experience on her teaching career, Mrs Alamu admitted that returning to remote rural postings would now require enormous courage.

“I have worked for 28 years and I have just about four years to retire. Going to rural areas now will take the grace of God.“

“Before this happened, I had already sacrificed a lot because of the distance. Now, coupled with this experience, I don’t know what will happen. I want to see my husband. When I get home, I can think of every other thing,” she said.