Alamu Folawe, the abducted principal of Community Grammar School in Esiele, Oyo State, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to negotiate with her captors rather than resorting to forceful rescue operations. In a video released on Instagram on Friday, May 29, the visibly distressed principal spoke from captivity, describing the dire conditions faced by the victims.
Principal's Plea for Negotiation
Mrs. Folawe revealed that the abducted individuals, including children, have endured 13 days in harsh conditions inside the bush following the coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area. “We are in the cold, we are under the sun, we are under the rain, the children and the adults as well. Please, we are begging you, don’t let them waste our lives,” she pleaded.
She urged the authorities to consider dialogue with the abductors to prevent further loss of life. The principal also appealed to the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Christian Association of Nigeria to intervene. According to her, a previous attempt involving force had exacerbated the situation for the captives.
“The force that they used yesterday has cost us so much. It has added to our problems. In fact, someone among us has been picked and they are going to kill him because government tried to help us by force,” she said. “We don’t need force, all they have to do is to negotiate with them and release us. Please, just negotiate with them and dialogue with them,” she added.
Details of the Abduction
The victims were abducted on May 15 after armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The affected institutions include Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yamota; and L.A. Primary School, Alawusa. Reports indicate that seven teachers and 39 pupils were taken during the coordinated attacks.
The incident turned deadly when mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was reportedly killed by the attackers. A motorcyclist and a security operative also lost their lives during rescue efforts.
Authorities' Response
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the abductors have since opened communication with the Oyo State Government. The gunmen reportedly insist on negotiating directly with Governor Makinde rather than with relatives of the victims.
Governor Makinde has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers. Additionally, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has deployed additional detectives from Abuja to support ongoing rescue operations alongside other security agencies.
