Oyo Kidnapping: Children Beaten, Teachers Chained During 56-Day Captivity, Principal Recounts

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The principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Ms Folawe Rachael Alamu, has revealed that pupils abducted alongside teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were repeatedly beaten by their captors, while male teachers were blindfolded, handcuffed and chained throughout their 56-day captivity.

Ms Folawe spoke on July 13, 2026, after she and the other abductees were officially received by the Oyo State Government following their rescue by security forces.

According to her, the children endured physical abuse whenever they cried or made noise, while the male teachers suffered harsher treatment, remaining chained and blindfolded for most of their time in the forest. 

The captives were also forced to undertake long treks through difficult terrain at night as the kidnappers frequently changed locations to evade security operatives.

“There was no sexual molestation of the female victims,” she said, noting that the male teachers had it worse because they were restrained with chains and handcuffs while the women and children remained under constant armed surveillance.

She added that the youngest pupils were often beaten whenever they cried or became restless, describing the experience as traumatic for both the children and adults.

The victims regained their freedom after a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. Military authorities said several suspects were neutralised during the operation, while others were arrested.

Naija Feminists Media had earlier reported that armed men invaded the school on May 15, abducting the principal, teachers, and pupils while demanding a ransom for their release 

Governor Seyi Makinde also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and pledged continued support for the survivors as they begin their recovery.