Professor Wole Alamu, husband of Oyo State school principal Rachael Alamu, has revealed that he deliberately blocked the phone numbers of kidnappers holding his wife captive after weeks of threats began taking a severe toll on his physical and emotional health.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service following his wife’s release, the university lecturer recounted the traumatic experience of negotiating with the abductors, saying the persistent intimidation left him battling dangerously high blood pressure and fearing for his own life.
Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was abducted alongside pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026, during an attack on the school. The victims spent more than 50 days in captivity before regaining their freedom after a rescue operation announced by the Federal Government.
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Describing the ordeal as the greatest challenge his family had ever experienced, Professor Alamu said the kidnapping shattered what had been a quiet life devoted to academics, family and Christian service.
“My wife’s abduction was an embarrassment to me,” he said.
He praised security agencies for their swift response, noting that senior military and police officers quickly mobilised after the incident.
Professor Alamu said he communicated directly with the kidnappers for about three weeks before deciding to cut off all contact.
“When my wife was abducted, I was chatting with the abductors for the first three weeks. I was threatened and immediately they threatened me, I was always destabilised,” he said.
He explained that a threatening text message once caused his blood pressure to rise sharply while he was at a medical facility, prompting him to block the kidnappers’ numbers.
“That day I decided I would block these people. You cannot kill me here and kill her there. Choose one. If you want to take her, she is going to be with Christ. You cannot kill the two of us at the same time,” he said.
According to him, the kidnappers later threatened his wife after realising they had been blocked, but she remained resolute, telling them, “You will not kill me in Jesus’ name.”
He also claimed the abductors left a cutlass beside her, apparently expecting her to take her own life, but she refused.
Professor Alamu said the family drew strength from their faith throughout the ordeal and received support from individuals, religious groups and organisations within Nigeria and abroad.
He concluded by encouraging Christians to remain steadfast during difficult times, saying the experience ultimately strengthened his faith in God.
