Wole Alamu, husband of the abducted Ogbomoso principal, has appealed to Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, to intensify efforts to rescue his wife and other victims in captivity.
Alamu broke down in tears while speaking on Saturday when the governor visited the families of the persons in captivity.
Rachael, Alamu’s wife, alongside some staff members and students of a Community High School, was abducted on May 15 when gunmen invaded three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire in Ogbomoso.
The gunmen, who arrived on motorcycles, abducted dozens of students and teachers from Community High School, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
During the attack, the assailants killed Adesiyan, an assistant headmaster, and a commercial motorcyclist.
Makinde said seven teachers were abducted during the raid, while Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers, was later killed in captivity.
In videos posted on Instagram on Friday, the abducted principal appealed to the federal and state governments not to resort to force in their rescue efforts.
She said the kidnappers had threatened to kill another victim if security agencies attempted a forceful rescue.
Speaking during the governor’s visit, a visibly distressed Alamu thanked Makinde for his efforts so far, but pleaded with him not to relent in the rescue mission.
“Our governor, we thank you because we know the efforts you have made since this incident happened. But please, don’t be weary in the rescue mission for our people in captivity,” he said.
Alamu said it has been heartbreaking seeing his wife in the viral footage circulated online.
“My wife is the one being used to make the videos that are being circulated. It is very disheartening and depressing,” he said in Yoruba, kneeling as he begged the governor.
Makinde thereafter moved to embrace the visibly distressed man, who broke down in tears as he hugged the governor.
The governor said he is also emotionally affected by the abduction but assured families of urgent efforts to secure the release of their loved ones.
“All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because of security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release,” Makinde said.
