Says fear of airstrikes overshadowed fear of abductors
THE principal of Esinle Community High School, Mrs Rachael Alamu, on Sunday recounted the harrowing experience of spending 58 days in captivity, describing the seventh week of the ordeal as the most terrifying as intensified military operations left the abductees fearing they could be killed by stray missiles.
Mrs Alamu spoke during a thanksgiving service held at the Antioch Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, weeks after she and other victims regained their freedom following their abduction by armed bandits.
The principal, who was among the teachers abducted alongside pupils from the school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, said there were moments when the fear of military bombardment became greater than the fear of their captors.
Recounting the experience before the congregation, she said the seventh week of their captivity tested their faith the most.
“The seventh week was the hardest for us all. That was when the troops increased their air raids. It was so intense that, at a point, the fear of the bandits became secondary.”
She said the constant sound of military bombardments left the captives uncertain of what could happen next.
“At a point, the fear of the bandits became secondary. We were just praying that missiles would not accidentally drop on us. We were so afraid. Amidst that fear, God consoled our hearts.”
Mrs Alamu disclosed that before the intensified military operations, the abductors had informed them that the Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, had assured that they would regain their freedom before the end of the week.
According to her, the information initially gave them hope until the heavy bombardment changed the mood inside the camp.
“They had told us the previous week that the governor said that before Friday we would be released, so we were calm. But when the air raids started on Tuesday, they became so furious.”
She said the tension heightened towards the end of that week when one of the gang leaders summoned her unexpectedly.
“Towards the end of that week, the commander came and said, ‘Principal, come!’ I was already shaking because I knew what that could mean.”
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The thanksgiving service attracted family members, church members, friends and well-wishers, who joined her in appreciating God for her safe return after nearly two months in captivity.
The Esinle school abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, drew national attention and renewed concerns over insecurity around schools.
The victims eventually regained their freedom after spending 58 days in the custody of their abductors.