The rescued Principal of Community High School in Oriire Local Government Area, Mrs Rachael Alamu, who was abducted by terrorists alongside others on Monday disclosed that the terrorists subjected the innocent pupils into “punching bags”, while in captivity
Penpushing reports that Alamu made this known while narrating victims experience in captivity to journalists, adding that the 56-day ordeal was harrowing experience and that children were beaten into silence, male teachers were chained and blindfolded
The principal recalled that the kidnappers forced them(abductees)on dangerous nighttime treks through forests to evade security operatives, recalling that, the terrorists frowned at noise of the children, which they believe could attract attention
“Personally, I was not beaten, but some of the children were beaten. What they hated most was noise because they believed it could attract attention. The youngest children suffered the most. They would tie their mouths with pieces of cloth and beat them very well’, she said.
“You can only imagine it. It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, most of the time, under the sun and under the rain, with the children. But we kept going because there was no way out. We knew it was only God that could help us, and we believed people were praying for us. That kept us going,” she said.
Penpushing further reports that Alamu the kidnappers constantly moved the captives whenever they feared their hideouts had been discovered by security forces, forcing both adults and children to undertake exhausting journeys through difficult terrain under the cover of darkness.
“When the place was discovered, we had to move, and that usually started around seven or eight at night. Sometimes we walked for three to four hours. That is why you see bruises on our bodies. The younger ones were carried, but the older children had to walk. They fell many times. It was very difficult’, she said.
Penpushing also reports that Alamu recalled how the victims were initially transported deeper into the forest shortly after the abduction, explaining that her car was used to convey the victims to a point where they met the primary school pupils and their teacher. .
“My car was used to convey us to a point where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. From there, we walked for about one hour before they brought motorcycles. About 10 motorcycles were used to move us for more than four hours through bush paths they knew very well,” she recalled.
Penpushing reports that reflecting on the impact of the ordeal on her teaching career, emphasizing that returning to a rural posting would now require considerable courage, adding that she has about four years to retire having worked for 28 years
“I have worked for 28 years and I have just about four years to retire. Going to rural areas now will take the grace of God. Before this happened, I had already sacrificed a lot because of the distance. Now, coupled with this experience, I don’t know what will happen. I want to see my husband. When I get home, I can think of every other thing,” she said.
Penpushing further reports that it would be recalled that the victims were abducted by the kidnappers on May 15, 2026, and spent nearly two months in captivity before regaining their freedom in a rescue operation by security agencies.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
