Mrs. Alamu, the principal of one of two schools attacked in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, released a new video yesterday begging President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to negotiate with her kidnappers before the situation turns deadly.
Nearly two weeks after gunmen abducted her along with teachers and school children, Alamu appeared visibly distressed as she appealed directly to the federal and state governments, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and school principals' associations. The video shows a woman running out of options. She did not ask for military force. She asked for a phone call.
"The terrorists are already getting impatient. The teachers and the children are still under the sun and the rain, while we are in the cold," she said in the footage. "The government should not use force. All they need to do is call and negotiate with them. We are begging you, don't let them waste our lives. Please help us, don't forget us here, answer them on time."
The abductions happened on May 15 when armed attackers hit Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in coordinated raids. A teacher and an okada rider were killed during the assaults. Dozens of pupils and students remain missing alongside Alamu and other educators.
Security agencies have been combing the Old Oyo National Park area, where officials believe the hostages are being held. The search has been treacherous. Governor Makinde confirmed that operatives sustained injuries after triggering Improvised Explosive Devices the kidnappers planted around the park. The state government said both kinetic and non-kinetic operations are ongoing, but Alamu's video signals that time may be running out for negotiators.
Families of the missing have grown increasingly anxious. Alamu's direct appeal to Nigeria's leadership and teacher unions suggests the kidnappers have set deadlines and are losing patience with delays. Security sources say negotiators are in contact with the abductors, but no breakthrough has been announced since the initial kidnapping.
