Professor Wale Alamu has expressed profound relief following the release of his wife, Rachael Alamu, and other victims abducted during the school kidnapping incident in Oyo State, thanking all those who played a role in securing their freedom after weeks in captivity.
In a statement issued after the victims regained their freedom, Alamu described the development as a moment of immense gratitude for his family, saying the successful rescue had brought an end to a painful period of uncertainty and anxiety.
He extended appreciation to the Federal and Oyo State governments, security agencies, community leaders, and well-meaning Nigerians who contributed in various ways to the efforts that led to the victims’ release.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who stood by us throughout this difficult period and worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return of our loved ones,” he said.
The professor also thanked friends, colleagues, religious organisations, and members of the public who offered prayers, encouragement, and other forms of support while the victims remained in captivity.
While celebrating the safe return of the abductees, Alamu urged the government to treat the incident as an opportunity to reassess existing security measures around schools and other vulnerable public institutions.
He called for a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the abduction, stressing that lessons from the incident should guide future policies aimed at protecting students, teachers, and school personnel.
According to him, strengthening school security should remain a national priority to prevent similar attacks and restore public confidence in the safety of educational institutions.
Also read: Breaking: 46 Abducted Oyo schoolchildren, teachers regain freedom after 56 days in captivity (Video)
Alamu advocated improved intelligence gathering, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, better surveillance systems, and increased investment in preventive security measures across schools.
He also called for stronger community participation in security initiatives, noting that timely information sharing between residents and security agencies could help prevent future attacks.
The professor expressed sympathy for the family of the teacher who lost his life during the abduction, acknowledging that while many families were celebrating the return of their loved ones, others were still grieving an irreplaceable loss.
The victims’ release followed 56 days in captivity, ending a prolonged ordeal that attracted national attention and renewed concerns over the security of schools in Nigeria.
The abduction sparked widespread condemnation and prompted intensified rescue operations involving security agencies and the Oyo State Government, culminating in the safe release of the surviving victims.
Education stakeholders have since renewed calls for stronger implementation of the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative and increased investment in infrastructure, emergency response systems, and security personnel to protect learning environments.
Professor Alamu concluded by expressing hope that the painful experience would inspire meaningful reforms capable of preventing future attacks on schools, while ensuring that students and educators can pursue education in a safe and secure environment.
