Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has presented a brand-new Toyota Camry to Mrs. Rachael Folake Alamu, the principal who survived a mass abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area. The donation comes weeks after Mrs. Alamu regained her freedom following 56 days in captivity, during which her captors reportedly forced her to appear in videos used to pass messages and make demands.
Why Alli Donated the Car
As disclosed by The Guardian, Alli said the vehicle was his way of recognizing the principal's courage during the traumatic experience. He praised Mrs. Alamu for her "exceptional bravery, composure and unwavering commitment" to the safety and welfare of the abducted pupils throughout the ordeal. The APC candidate described the gift as "a modest token of appreciation" for her courage and also a show of support as she recovers and returns to her duties. He also noted that teachers who continue to work under difficult and dangerous conditions deserve greater appreciation and support.
Principal Spent Nearly Two Months in Captivity
Mrs. Alamu was kidnapped in May alongside teachers and pupils from Community High School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area. During the ordeal, she reportedly appeared in several videos released by the kidnappers to communicate with people outside the camp and press their demands. She and the other victims were eventually rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, bringing relief to their families, the Oriire community, and Oyo State.
Community Reaction
Residents and other stakeholders in Oriire welcomed Alli's gesture, saying it was a compassionate way to honour the sacrifices made by teachers working in vulnerable rural communities.
Gunmen Abduct Oyo Headmaster After School Rescue
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that suspected kidnappers abducted Oyo headmaster Kolawale Mathew Owoade from his farm in Itesiwaju Local Government Area and demanded a N30 million ransom for his release. The abductors reportedly contacted the victim's family using his mobile phone, while a search party later discovered his abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush without any sign of him. The incident came days after security forces rescued more than 40 abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire, as Oyo police confirmed efforts were ongoing to rescue the headmaster and arrest those responsible.
Army Lieutenant Killed During Oriire Rescue
Legit.ng previously disclosed that Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, a 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer, was killed during the early phase of the operation to rescue more than 40 abducted pupils and teachers in the Oriire local government area of Oyo State. The report stated that Lieutenant Isaac was buried on July 10 at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, the same day security forces successfully rescued the victims after 56 days in captivity.
