Oyo abduction: Rescue efforts are ongoing beneath – Husband of kidnapped principal says

Wole Alamu, a professor, the husband of the kidnapped principal, Alamu Folawe, has confirmed that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of abducted pupils, teachers and school administrators in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

BusinessDay had earlier reported that a total of 39 students and seven ⁠teachers were abducted in an attack targeting several schools in Nigeria’s southwestern Oyo State last week.

Alamu disclosed this on Wednesday during a telephone interview with Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, amid heightened concerns over the abduction incident, which has continued to attract national attention.

He appealed for caution in public discussions surrounding the rescue operations, warning that premature disclosure of sensitive details could jeopardise ongoing security efforts.

“We are going to grant an interview, but not now. The work is seriously being done underneath. Anything you say now may jeopardise the rescue operations,” he said.

The university don also commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, alongside security operatives, for what he described as relentless and coordinated efforts towards ensuring the safe return of the victims.

His remarks came as security agencies intensified operations against armed bandits following the killing of a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, and the abduction of dozens of pupils, students and teachers from schools within the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area.

A viral video on Friday earlier circulated online had shown the abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, Mrs Folawe, appealing emotionally to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, security agencies, the Christian Association of Nigeria and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure their release.

In the footage, the visibly distressed principal said the abductees had remained in captivity since the attack on the schools.

The coordinated attack reportedly targeted Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as L. A Primary School, where armed hoodlums abducted several pupils, teachers and school administrators.

The Oyo State Police Command had earlier confirmed that an assistant headmaster, identified as Mr Adesiyan, and an okada rider were killed during the incident.

Meanwhile, security operations have intensified across the affected areas and surrounding forest corridors.