The husband of Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the Oyo State school principal who was recently released after spending over 50 days in captivity, has disclosed that he eventually blocked the kidnappers’ phone numbers because their persistent threats were seriously affecting his health.
Professor Wole Alamu shared this during a thanksgiving service following his wife’s release, recounting the emotional and psychological trauma his family experienced throughout the ordeal.
Mrs. Alamu, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was kidnapped along with pupils and teachers by armed men on May 15, 2026. They remained captive for over 50 days before being rescued in an operation announced by the Federal Government.
Speaking emotionally at the church service, Professor Alamu described the ordeal as the greatest challenge his family had ever faced, noting that it disrupted their quiet life, which was focused on academics, work, and Christian service.
“We are a very quiet family. We simply serve God and go home. Before this incident, if you searched my name online, you would mostly find my academic work,” he noted.
He acknowledged the pain and embarrassment caused by his wife’s abduction but expressed gratitude for the prompt response of security agencies.
According to him, senior military and police officers acted quickly after the incident. He mentioned that the General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police arrived at the scene within minutes, while military helicopters were deployed to comb the surrounding forests.
Professor Alamu encouraged Christians to stay firm in their faith, emphasizing that difficult times often reveal one’s spiritual strength.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of the ordeal, he admitted that despite believing he was mentally strong, the experience left him devastated.
“I thought I was strong, but the night they abducted my wife was the longest night of my life. Big boys don’t cry, but big boys can become small boys,” he remarked.
The professor revealed that he communicated with the kidnappers for about three weeks, during which they repeatedly threatened him and demanded ransom.
He explained that every phone call and message left him emotionally shaken and physically unwell.
“There was a day I went for a medical check-up. While I was there, they sent me a text message. Immediately, I became destabilized. By the time I got into the clinic, my blood pressure had risen so much that I couldn’t even continue with the medical examination,” he recalled.
Fearing that further communication was compromising his health, Professor Alamu decided to sever all contact with the abductors.
“That day, I decided I would block these people,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to God for keeping his wife and the other victims safe during their captivity and thanked the military, police, government officials, church members, and well-wishers who supported and prayed for them during the challenging period.
His emotional account has resonated with many Nigerians, highlighting the harsh psychological effects of kidnapping on victims and their families while renewing calls for enhanced security measures to combat the growing threat of abductions nationwide.
