The husband of Rachael Alamu, the Oyo State school principal who recently regained her freedom after spending more than 50 days in captivity, has revealed that he eventually blocked the kidnappers’ phone numbers after their repeated threats began taking a toll on his health.
Professor Wole Alamu made the disclosure during a thanksgiving service held to celebrate his wife’s release, where he recounted the emotional and physical challenges his family endured throughout the ordeal.
He said constant communication with the abductors left him emotionally drained and physically destabilised, adding that he eventually began suffering from high blood pressure.
Alamu described the incident as the greatest challenge his family had ever faced, saying the abduction disrupted their previously quiet life centred around academics, work and Christian service.
His wife, Rachael, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was among pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen on May 15, 2026.
The victims spent more than 50 days in captivity before they were released following a rescue operation announced by the Federal Government.
Reflecting on the incident, Alamu admitted that his wife’s abduction was personally embarrassing but expressed gratitude to God and security agencies for their response.
“My wife’s abduction was an embarrassment to me,” he said.
He recalled that security personnel were deployed shortly after the incident was reported, saying the General Officer Commanding of the 2nd Mechanised Division and the Commissioner of Police were already at the scene before he arrived.
According to him, two helicopters were also deployed to search the surrounding forest.
“It can only be God, and it is an answered prayer from my pastor and every member of this association,” he said.
The professor urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, noting that difficult situations often reveal the strength of a person’s spiritual foundation.
Addressing men at the thanksgiving service, Alamu said the experience humbled him despite initially believing he was emotionally strong enough to withstand the situation.
“We the men, I know we are strong-hearted and stubborn. Big boys don’t cry. Big boys can become small boys,” he said.
Recalling the night his wife was abducted, he said he initially assured a religious leader that he would remain strong but soon realised the magnitude of the ordeal.
“I thought I was strong because that night was the longest night I ever lived,” he said.
Alamu said the experience also reinforced the importance of living a righteous Christian life before facing adversity.
“If you don’t live right and this challenge faces you, the devil will come and tell you, ‘See yourself now,’” he said.
