Husband of the abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Professor Wole Alamu, has disclosed that intensive efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the kidnapped pupils, teachers and school administrators.
Professor Alamu, whose wife, Mrs Folawe Alamu, was among those abducted during the attack on schools in the Esiele community, disclosed this on Wednesday, during a telephone interview with Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
While expressing optimism over ongoing rescue operations, the university don appealed to the public and the media to exercise restraint in discussing security strategies surrounding the incident, warning that careless disclosures could undermine efforts to free the victims.
“We are going to grant interview, but not now. The work is seriously being done underneath. Anything you say now may jeopardise the rescue operations,” he stated.
Professor Alamu also praised Governor Seyi Makinde and security operatives for what he described as coordinated and relentless efforts aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abductees.
The incident, which has continued to generate nationwide concern, followed a coordinated attack by armed hoodlums on schools within the Esiele community, including Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and L.A. Primary School.
During the attack, several pupils, teachers and school administrators were reportedly whisked away, while a teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was killed.
The Oyo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the killing of an assistant headmaster, Mr Adesiyan, as well as an okada rider during the invasion.
A viral video which surfaced online last Friday showed Mrs. Folawe Alamu emotionally appealing to the Federal Government, Oyo State government, security agencies, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and facilitate their release.
In the footage, the visibly distressed principal lamented that the victims had remained in captivity since the attack.
