The husband of one of the teachers rescued from kidnappers in Oyo State, Professor Wale Alamu, has described the release of his wife and other victims as the end of eight weeks of pain and uncertainty, while calling on the government to strengthen security to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Professor Alamu, whose wife, Mrs Rachael Alamu, was among the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, expressed gratitude to God and everyone who contributed to securing the victims’ freedom.
Speaking shortly after news of the rescue emerged on Friday, the university lecturer said the past two months had been one of the most difficult periods in the life of his family.
“For the past eight weeks, I have been living through immense pain. Today, God has taken that pain away,” he said.
Mrs Alamu, a school principal, was among the 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by suspected terrorists on May 15, 2026, while travelling in Oriire Local Government Area. The incident shocked residents of Oyo State and sparked widespread concern about the growing threat of kidnapping in parts of the South-West.
The victims eventually regained their freedom on Friday following a coordinated security operation led by the Nigerian Army and supported by several military, intelligence and security agencies.
The Nigerian Army later confirmed that the rescued victims were receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
Reacting to the development, Professor Alamu thanked all those who played one role or another in bringing the long and painful ordeal to an end.
He specifically appreciated the Presidency, the Oyo State Government, members of the State Executive Council, security agencies and Nigerians from different religious and social backgrounds for standing with the families throughout the period of captivity.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to bringing an end to my suffering. I am grateful to the Presidency, the state governor, the state executive council, Nigerians as a whole, Muslims, Christians and even traditional worshippers.
“Everyone played a part, and I sincerely appreciate every contribution, no matter how small, towards securing the release of our people,” he said.
According to him, the successful rescue demonstrated what could be achieved when government institutions, security agencies and citizens work together toward a common goal.
Although relieved by his wife’s release, Professor Alamu said the painful experience should not be forgotten after the victims return home.
Instead, he urged the authorities to carry out a detailed review of the circumstances that led to the abduction and introduce stronger measures to protect schools, teachers and pupils from future attacks.
He said the incident should serve as an important lesson for governments at all levels in improving security around schools and vulnerable communities.
“I believe everyone has learnt one lesson or another from this incident. Once a thorough review has been carried out, the government will identify the areas that need attention and take the necessary steps to ensure that such an unfortunate incident does not happen again,” he said.
His appeal comes amid growing concerns over attacks on schools and educational institutions in different parts of Nigeria.
Although school abductions have been more common in the northern part of the country, security experts have warned that criminal groups are expanding their activities into other regions, including parts of the South-West.
The abduction in Oriire Local Government Area was one of the most significant kidnapping incidents recorded in Oyo State in recent years and raised fresh concerns about the safety of pupils, teachers and commuters travelling through remote communities.
Following the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde assured residents that every available resource would be deployed to secure the victims’ release and improve security across the state.
The Nigerian Army later disclosed that the rescue operation lasted for more than one month and involved troops of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, alongside personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups.
According to the Army, intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of several suspected members of the kidnapping network in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
Security officials said the arrests disrupted the activities of the criminal group and mounted pressure that eventually forced the kidnappers to release the victims.
The Army also disclosed that the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of all the pupils and teachers without harm to them, although some security personnel reportedly suffered casualties during the mission.
As preparations continue for the victims to reunite with their families, attention is also expected to focus on their physical and emotional recovery after spending nearly two months in captivity.
For Professor Alamu and the families of the other rescued victims, Friday’s announcement marked the end of weeks of anxiety, uncertainty and prayers.