The abducted principal of Community High School, Esiele, Oyo State, Mrs Rachael Alamu, has made a fresh appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to negotiate with the terrorists holding teachers, pupils and residents captive.
In a new video recorded from captivity, Alamu revealed that the kidnappers had allegedly selected one of the hostages to be killed after a failed rescue attempt by security operatives.
She said the use of force had worsened their situation and put lives at greater risk.
“President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde, please help us by talking to these people. The force used yesterday has added to our problems. One of us has been picked to be killed because the government tried to rescue us by force. Please negotiate with them so our lives can be saved,” she pleaded.
Speaking again in Yoruba, the principal begged for mercy, saying the captives had endured harsh conditions for 13 days under both rain and scorching sun.
“Please help us. We are suffering too much. Old and young people are together in the same place. Today is the 13th day since we were kidnapped. We don’t want any fight. Whatever they ask for, please give it to them,” she said.
One of the abducted teachers, Mary Akanbi, a nursing mother, also appealed to Governor Makinde to open talks with the kidnappers.
“We are begging Governor Seyi Makinde to help us. Please negotiate with these people. Whatever they want, give it to them. All the teachers and students are here,” she said.
Alamu was among teachers, pupils and residents abducted when armed men attacked schools and communities in Esiele and Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The incident has deepened fear and anxiety among families of the victims and residents of the affected communities as efforts to secure their release continue.
