The husband of Oyo school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, who recently regained her freedom after spending over 50 days in captivity, has revealed that he blocked the kidnappers' phone numbers during negotiations to protect his health from the emotional strain of their constant threats.
Professor Wole Alamu disclosed this while speaking at a thanksgiving service held after his wife's release, saying the repeated conversations with the abductors left him traumatised and battling high blood pressure.
Mrs Alamu, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was abducted alongside teachers and pupils by gunmen on May 15, 2026. The victims were later rescued after spending more than 50 days in captivity.
Recounting the experience, the professor described the abduction as the most difficult period his family had ever faced, noting that the incident shattered their quiet life devoted to academics, work and Christian service.
He, however, commended security agencies for their swift response, saying senior military officers, police authorities and aerial surveillance teams were deployed shortly after the incident was reported.
Professor Alamu urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, stressing that difficult moments often reveal the strength of one's relationship with God.
He disclosed that he communicated with the kidnappers for about three weeks before deciding to stop responding because each threat worsened his medical condition.
According to him, he made the decision after realising the calls and messages were causing severe emotional distress and a dangerous rise in his blood pressure.
He said after blocking the kidnappers, they reportedly threatened to kill his wife and confronted her over his refusal to continue negotiations.
Professor Alamu said his wife remained resolute despite the threats, insisting that she would neither take her own life nor allow the abductors to kill her.
He added that the ordeal attracted support from individuals and organisations within Nigeria and abroad, including offers of assistance from international groups.
Reflecting on the experience, the university don said the incident strengthened his faith and underscored the importance of living a life rooted in God before adversity strikes.
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