Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to negotiate with her captors instead of using force.
Alamu was abducted alongside teachers and students on May 15 after gunmen attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire Local Government Area in Ogbomoso.
The attackers reportedly stormed the schools on motorcycles and kidnapped dozens of victims.
During the attack, a teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun and a commercial motorcyclist were killed.
Reports later emerged that Oyedokun was allegedly murdered in captivity, sparking outrage across social media.
In emotional videos shared online, Alamu pleaded with both the federal and state governments to seek dialogue with the kidnappers, warning that attempts to rescue them through force had worsened their situation.
“Please, President Tinubu and Governor Makinde, help us and dialogue with these people. Don’t use force. The force used yesterday has caused us pain,” she said.
She added that the kidnappers had threatened to kill another victim following the government’s alleged rescue attempt.
The abducted principal also called on education unions, including ANCOPSS and NUT, as well as well-meaning Nigerians, to intervene and push for peaceful negotiations to secure their release.
According to her, the victims — including children — have remained in the bush for nearly two weeks under harsh weather conditions, while the captors grow increasingly impatient.
The incident has intensified concerns over insecurity and the safety of schools in parts of Nigeria, especially in rural communities vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
