Rescued Oyo School Principal Recounts 56-Day Ordeal: Children Beaten Into Silence, Teachers Chained by Kidnappers

Victims survived on cocoyam, noodles and waterfall water as kidnappers forced them on dangerous midnight treks through forests

IBADAN, Nigeria – The principal of the school attacked by kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Racheal Alamu, has recounted the traumatic 56-day ordeal she endured alongside teachers, pupils and students, revealing how children were beaten into silence while male teachers were chained and blindfolded throughout their captivity.

Mrs. Alamu spoke after she and the rescued victims were officially received by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan following their rescue.

Describing the conditions in captivity, she said the victims spent almost two months living in the open forest, exposed to scorching sun and heavy rainfall 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.”

Children Beaten for Crying

Alamu revealed that while she escaped physical assault, several of the younger pupils were brutally beaten whenever they cried or made noise.

According to her, the kidnappers feared that any sound could reveal their location to security operatives.

“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 added that the male teachers were subjected to even harsher treatment.

“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 assaulted during the period in captivity.

“There was no form of molestation.”

Forced to Trek Through Forests at Night

The principal disclosed that the kidnappers frequently relocated the captives whenever they suspected security forces were closing in on their hideouts.

These movements, she said, usually began at night and involved hours of trekking through dense forests.

“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.

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

Alamu also revealed that immediately after the abduction, the victims were transported deeper into the forest using about 10 motorcycles.

Survived on Cocoyam, Noodles and Waterfall Water

A relative of one of the rescued victims disclosed that the captives survived under extremely difficult conditions throughout the 56-day ordeal.

According to the family member, they survived mainly on cocoyam and noodles and relied on water from a nearby waterfall for drinking.

The victims were eventually rescued after spending nearly two months in captivity, bringing relief to their families and the Oyo State Government.

Governor Makinde has pledged continued support for the victims while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and protecting schools across the state.