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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Why I blocked terrorists when my wife was abducted - Oyo principal’s husband

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Professor Wole Alamu revealed he blocked kidnappers' numbers due to the severe health toll their repeated threats took on him.
  • His wife, Rachael Alamu, a school principal, was abducted on May 15 and held for over 50 days before her release.
  • The ordeal deeply affected the family, disrupting their quiet life and highlighting the importance of faith and righteous living.

Professor Wole Alamu disclosed that he eventually blocked the phone numbers of his wife's kidnappers because their constant threats severely impacted his health. His wife, Rachael Alamu, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in Oyo State, was abducted on May 15 and held captive for more than 50 days before her release following a government-announced rescue operation.

I want to say to my family, we are a very quiet family. We just come to work for God and we go home. We do not make noise.

— Professor Wole AlamuDescribing his family's usual lifestyle before the abduction.

During a thanksgiving service, Professor Alamu shared that the continuous communication with the abductors left him emotionally drained, physically destabilized, and suffering from high blood pressure. He described the kidnapping as the greatest challenge his family had ever faced, disrupting their peaceful life centered on academics, work, and Christian service.

My wife’s abduction was an embarrassment to me.

— Professor Wole AlamuReflecting on the personal impact of his wife's kidnapping.

Professor Alamu admitted that his wife's abduction was a personal embarrassment. Despite the painful experience, he expressed gratitude for the swift response of security agencies, noting that within 45 minutes of the incident, high-ranking officials and helicopters were involved in the search. He attributed their freedom to divine intervention and answered prayers.

They abducted my wife and other people. I got to Osiele. I would like to say that within 45 minutes, the General Officer Commanding of the 2nd Mechanised Division was already there. The Commissioner of Police was already there before me. Two helicopters were already combing the forest one hour before I got there.

— Professor Wole AlamuDetailing the rapid response of security agencies after the abduction.

He urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, as difficult situations often reveal one's spiritual foundation. Addressing men, Professor Alamu acknowledged that the experience humbled him, despite his initial belief in his emotional resilience. The ordeal taught him the importance of living a righteous Christian life before adversity strikes.

We the men, I know we are strong-hearted and stubborn. Big boys don’t cry. Big boys can become small boys.

— Professor Wole AlamuReflecting on his own emotional experience during the ordeal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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