The husband of Oyo State school principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has revealed that he blocked the kidnappers’ phone numbers during negotiations after their repeated threats began taking a serious toll on his health.
Professor Wole Alamu made the disclosure during a thanksgiving service following his wife’s release from captivity, saying the constant communication with the abductors left him emotionally exhausted and battling high blood pressure.
Mrs. Alamu, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was abducted alongside teachers and pupils by gunmen on May 15, 2026. The victims spent more than 50 days in captivity before regaining their freedom in a rescue operation announced by the Federal Government.
Describing the ordeal as the greatest challenge his family had ever faced, Professor Alamu said the kidnapping disrupted their quiet family life centered on work, academics and Christian service.
He commended the swift response of security agencies, stating that senior military and police officials were at the scene shortly after the abduction.
According to him, he communicated directly with the kidnappers for about three weeks but eventually decided to cut off contact because each threat affected his health.
He recalled that while undergoing a medical check-up, he received a threatening message from the abductors, causing his blood pressure to rise to the point that he could not complete the examination.
Professor Alamu said he then chose to block the kidnappers, believing continued communication was putting his own life at risk.
He disclosed that the abductors later confronted his wife over the blocked calls and threatened to kill her, but she responded with confidence that they would not succeed.
He also alleged that the kidnappers left a cutlass beside her, apparently expecting her to take her own life, but she refused and maintained her faith.
Professor Alamu said the family received support from individuals and organisations within Nigeria and abroad during the crisis, including offers of assistance from international groups.
He expressed appreciation for people of different religious backgrounds who stood with the family throughout the ordeal, noting that Muslim communities in Oyo State and LAUTECH were among the first to visit and offer support.
Reflecting on the experience, he urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, saying difficult times reveal the strength of one’s relationship with God.
Quoting Psalm 126, Professor Alamu said the family’s sorrow had been turned into joy, describing the kidnapping as the greatest trial he had faced since becoming a Christian but one that ultimately strengthened his faith.
Post comments (0)