Kidnapped Schoolchildren, Teachers Survived 56 Days in Captivity Without Food

You may recall the horrific videos of Nigerian schoolchildren being dragged away by armed kidnappers in May. The principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Rachael Alamu, and over 40 abducted pupils and teachers have finally been freed from 56 days of captivity, revealing the harrowing details of their ordeal.

The kidnappers, who attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, blindfolded, handcuffed, and chained the male captives, while beating some of the children for making noise. The youngest among them, Waliya and Salam, received the worst beating, with their mouths covered and tied before being severely beaten.

Rachael Alamu, the principal, escaped physical assault but witnessed the suffering of the pupils. She revealed that the kidnappers believed noise could attract attention and therefore took drastic measures to silence the children. The captives were held in a location without access to food, and the principal believes this must have contributed to their physical condition upon rescue.

The rescue operation, involving the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes, came on July 10, after weeks of coordinated efforts.

Rachael Alamu also revealed there were no sexual assaults on the female captives during their time in captivity.

According to reports, two teachers and several security operatives were killed during the abduction and rescue efforts. Teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded by the kidnappers in a video that shocked Nigerians and heightened calls for stronger security across Oyo State. The rescue operation is seen as a rare success in the fight against school kidnappings in Nigeria. It has brought hope to the families of the rescued pupils and teachers.

The Oyo State Government has formally taken in the rescued victims and has assured them of all necessary support and care.

The rescue operation highlights the need for enhanced security measures in schools across Nigeria, particularly in the face of rising kidnappings and armed attacks.

"Personally, I was not beaten. Some of the children were beaten. You know children; some are quiet, some are loud. What they hated most was noise because they believed it could attract attention."

• Rachael Alamu.