The family of Professor Wole Alamu has expressed deep appreciation to the Almighty God and to all Nigerians (home and abroad) for their prayers, support (morally and financially), and shared efforts, leading to the safe rescue of their loved ones from bandits’ captivity.
In a statement signed by Prof Alamu, husband of Mrs. Rachael Alamu, one of the victims and principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, Oyo, the family noted the safe rescue was a welcome relief after weeks of apprehension while applauding President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the heads of security agencies and all stakeholders for what was described as a “miracle.”
ALSO READ: Ondo: Police arrest man for allegedly staging own kidnap
“The safe rescue inspired us with a big relief after long period of anxiety (56 days), afraid we might not see our loved ones again. But hearing the news on Friday (July 10, 2026), and to know they are in good condition is gladdening. The situation stretched our faith and resilience but with everybody’s strong, unalloyed support and concerted efforts we triumphed over evil. To God be the glory.”
The family stressed it was obligatory for them to express gratitude to Nigerians.
“The rescue, a miracle, further convinced us that Nigerians are wonderful people in view of the outpouring of love from all over, and it is incumbent on us to formally thank the people. We will mention some specific names. Definitely, we can’t exhaust all, so those not mentioned should bear with us.
“We specially thank His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces; His Excellency, Engr. Oluwaseyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State His Excellency, Barrister Bayo Lawal (who sent me texts every morning), for their commitment and doggedness.”
“We appreciate the Service Chiefs; the Inspector General of Police, Police DIG Southwest, AIG Zone 11 and the Oyo State Police Commissioner; heads of other Security Agencies (Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State and Lagos State Directors of the agency) and the officers of the Service; the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and heads in Oyo State, Police Area Commander Owode, Ogbomoso, all the DPOs in Oriire and Surulere LGAS; Officer -in – Charge Ogbomoso North local government (Mr..Adebowale Ademola) including all their operatives.
“Similarly, we express gratitude to the Oyo State Chairman and Commandant of the Amotekun Corps and their men; the SA to Governor Makinde on security; heads and operatives of local security networks like the traditional hunters, OPC, and so on.
“We thank the traditional rulers – Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, Soun of Ogbomosoland; Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo; Oba Francis Olusola Alao, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon; Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, Onpetu of Ijeru; Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III (Ajirotutu I), Aseyin of Iseyinland; Oba Prof John Akinola Akintola, Alapa of Okin-Apa; Oba Samuel Babatunde Amao II, Aale of Okelerin; Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide Olajide 1, Onisapa of Isapa; Tajudeen Abioye, Baale Ahoro-Esinele; Baale Alaropo Nla; and many other traditional rulers in Oriire and all Ogbomosoland, who attended various security summits on how to secure the safe rescue of the victims.
“The Senate and House of Representatives, particularly member Senator Dr Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari (who was with them in hospital throughout yesterday) and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala. Also, some former members, especially Senator Ayo Adeseun.
“The Oyo State House of Assembly – the Speaker, Rt. Hon Debo Ogundoyin; Hon Sanjo Adedoyin; Hon Johnson Ogundele, Hon Dele Adeola (Iseyin) and some other serving members; also former member, Hon Jacob Bamigboye; among others; and council chairmen in Ogbomoso zone, especially Oriire and Surulere LGs.
“My colleagues and bosses at LAUTECH, the Vice Chancellor and ASUU (for the generous monetary gift).
“Religious bodies and leaders – CAN Oyo State and Ogbomoso zone; Antioch Baptist Church (the pastor, Rev’d Dr Wale Olajire, his wife and all members); Rt. Rev’d Titus Olayinka; Oyo State Muslim Community; Muslim Community in Ogbomoso; LAUTECH Muslim Community; Chief Imam Teliat Olushina Ayilara; Imam Habeeb Ayilara, among others; the traditional religious worshippers, for everyone’s incessant prayers and constant words of support and encouragement.
“Socio-cultural organizations – OCF, ODDA, ODA, ODU, Ogbegun Community (Extension), among others for their backing.
“The media Houses for their professional and wonderful reportages and analyses that kept the governments at different levels on their toes – Nigerian Tribune, Ogbomoso Insight, Parrot FM, BCOS, Ajilete FM, Brave FM, Ogo-Ilu FM and several others including national and international platforms.
“Many other individuals – Mr. Bimbo Adekambi; Engr Muftau Open-Salawu; Chief Akinwale Akinwole; Hon Femi Onireti; Alhaji Monsur Ejide; Rev’d Debo Adeyemo among others.
The family urged Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations, to remain united in tackling the various ills plaguing the country, expressing sympathy to those whose loved ones passed away and affirming that the love and concern demonstrated during the travail is a testimony of strength and capability.
“While we hail this safe rescue, we commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones and pray for other victims still in captivity throughout the country. The good Lord will grant them mercies likewise. One lesson learnt is that if we continue to demonstrate oneness, irrespective of our religious, ethnic, or even political leanings, and if we work together in unity and sincerity as witnessed during this difficult time, the Nigerian state can be great again. Collaborations among government institutions, stakeholders, and so on will help to change the narrative.
“Let us aspire to remake Nigeria where every citizen is safe and is unhindered in pursuing their dream bereft of fear and chaos.
“We commit the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oyo State, Ogbomosoland, and our security operatives to the hand of God, may God grant us the kind of country our hearts thirst for – peaceful and conducive for national and individuals’ prosperity.”