VIDEO: ‘We’re grateful,’ Oriire school principal says after regaining freedom

The principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after regaining freedom from captivity following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Mrs Alamu was among the teachers, pupils and residents kidnapped in May when armed men attacked schools and nearby communities in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota areas of the local government.

Their release came nearly two months after the incident.

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The development was made known by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on X on Friday, where he announced that the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire had been freed.

Speaking after her release alongside other victims, Mrs Alamu thanked Tinubu for his concern and efforts towards securing their freedom. 

She also appreciated security operatives for their role, saying their intervention was responsible for the victims returning alive.

She said, “The president sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see in your heart. Thank you very much. And every security operative tried so much and that is why we are still alive now. We are very grateful.“

Tribune Online reports that the attack had thrown the affected communities into panic after gunmen stormed the schools and surrounding areas, abducting several pupils, teachers and residents.