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The principal of Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele, Racheal Alamu, has revealed that the terrorists who abducted her, other teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State repeatedly forced them to undertake dangerous night-time treks through forests whenever they feared security operatives were closing in on their hideouts.
Alamu disclosed this on Monday after she, the rescued teachers and pupils were officially received by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan following their rescue after 56 days in captivity.
According to her, the abductors frequently relocated the captives to avoid detection, compelling both adults and children to walk for hours across difficult terrain in the middle of the night.
“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,” she said.
Alamu also recounted how the victims were taken deeper into the forest shortly after they were abducted.
“My car was used to convey us to a point where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher.
“From there, we walked for about one hour before they brought motorcycles. About 10 motorcycles were used to move us for more than four hours through bush paths they knew very well,” she said.
Reflecting on the impact of the ordeal, the veteran educator admitted that the experience had changed her perception of working in remote communities.
“I have worked for 28 years, and I have just about four years to retire. Going to rural areas now will take the grace of God.
“Before this happened, I had already sacrificed a lot because of the distance.
“Now, coupled with this experience, I don’t know what will happen. I want to see my husband. When I get home, I can think of every other thing,” she added.
The principal’s account offers fresh insight into the tactics employed by the abductors to frustrate rescue efforts, highlighting the gruelling conditions endured by the victims as they were repeatedly moved through dense forests before security operatives eventually secured their freedom after nearly two months in captivity.
