Orire Kidnap: I Assured Principal’s Husband His Wife Would Return Alive — Senator Buhari

Orire Kidnap: I Assured Principal’s Husband His Wife Would Return Alive — Senator Buhari

The Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Abdulfatai Buhari, has revealed how he encouraged the husband of the abducted principal of the Government Technical College, Orita Aperin, Orire, Oyo State, during the period the victims were held captive by kidnappers.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Buhari recounted that Professor Alamo, whose wife, Mrs. Rachel Alamo, was among those abducted, repeatedly contacted him for updates and support throughout the ordeal.

Mrs. Alamo was one of the victims kidnapped alongside students in the attack that shocked Oyo State and drew nationwide concern.

According to the senator, about three weeks before the victims regained their freedom, Professor Alamo became visibly overwhelmed by fear, anxiety and uncertainty over his wife’s fate.

Buhari said he decided to visit him personally to offer words of encouragement and reassure him that his wife and the other abductees would return safely.

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“I went to him, I talked to him and I explained to him that, ‘Look, your wife will not forgive you, even in the grave if she comes back and you’re not there,'” Buhari recalled.

“I assured him that nothing bad had happened to them and that they would come back safely.”

The lawmaker said he urged Professor Alamo to remain strong despite the emotional burden, stressing that losing hope would only deepen the trauma for the family.

Buhari further disclosed that on the day the victims were eventually released, Professor Alamo visited his residence in Ogbomoso, where they discussed the situation once again.

According to him, the meeting ended at about 3:30 p.m., after which Professor Alamo left.

Later that evening, Buhari said he began receiving messages claiming that the abducted students and other victims had been freed. However, he was initially reluctant to believe the reports because of the widespread circulation of unverified information during the period of the abduction.

He said his doubts were only dispelled after he came across a social media post by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirming the successful rescue of the victims.

The release of the abductees brought relief to their families, the Oyo State Government and residents, ending weeks of anxiety following the kidnapping incident that raised fresh concerns over insecurity and the safety of schools in the country.

The rescue operation has continued to attract commendation from various stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders and civil society organisations, while renewed calls have been made for stronger measures to protect educational institutions from criminal attacks.

Orire Kidnap: I Assured Principal’s Husband His Wife Would Return Alive — Senator Buhari