Fresh details have emerged regarding the abduction of Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oyo State, as her family revealed that the kidnappers have refused to negotiate directly with them and insist on speaking only with government authorities.

Her husband, Professor Wole Alamu, a lecturer in the Department of Forest Resources Management at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, disclosed that the abductors have maintained communication solely through WhatsApp messages since the incident occurred more than two weeks ago.

According to him, every attempt by the family to initiate ransom discussions or negotiate her release has been rejected by the captors.

“The captors said they don’t want to talk to us. They only want to talk to the government,” Professor Alamu explained.

Mrs. Alamu was abducted on May 15 during a deadly attack on the school located in Oriire Local Government Area. Reports indicated that some teachers were killed while several pupils, staff members and other victims were taken away by armed men during the invasion.

Professor Alamu recounted the traumatic events of that morning, explaining that he and his wife had both left home for work before the attack unfolded.

According to him, he later received a distress call around 9:20 a.m. informing him that gunmen had invaded the school and abducted his wife.

He said upon rushing back to the area, he discovered that multiple teachers had been attacked, several students and staff kidnapped, and his wife’s Toyota Corolla vehicle burnt by the assailants.

The lecturer added that the family has not had any direct conversation with Mrs. Alamu since the abduction, except for disturbing videos allegedly recorded under duress by the kidnappers.

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Professor Alamu disclosed that all WhatsApp numbers used by the abductors have been handed over to security agencies, including the Department of State Services, for investigation and tracking.

“I believe the DSS are working on it,” he said, expressing hope that authorities would eventually secure her release safely.

He also appreciated the support received from Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Government since the incident happened.

“We thank the Executive Governor of Oyo State for standing by us. He has not abandoned us in this difficult period,” he stated.

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Professor Alamu described his wife as a dedicated educationist who accepted deployment to the rural community despite the security risks and the long daily commute of about 62 kilometres from their residence.

He stressed that she had no personal dispute with anyone and was simply committed to improving education in the community.

“My wife did not offend anyone. She only came to contribute to the development of the area,” he said.

The attack has further intensified concerns about insecurity affecting schools and rural communities across parts of Nigeria, especially following recent reports of kidnappings targeting students, teachers and local residents.

Residents and education stakeholders have continued to call for stronger security measures around schools and vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of pupils and staff.