By Femi Emmanuel
The family of Professor Wole Alamu has expressed profound gratitude to God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and Nigerians at home and abroad for their support and prayers that culminated in the safe rescue of abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family by Professor Alamu, whose wife, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was among those kidnapped, the family described the victims’ rescue as a miracle and a source of immense relief after weeks of anguish and uncertainty.
Professor Alamu said the family endured an agonising period of fear and anxiety, uncertain whether they would ever reunite with their loved ones, adding that the news of their rescue on Friday brought overwhelming joy and renewed hope.
According to him, the experience tested the family’s faith and resilience but ultimately reaffirmed their confidence in God’s power and the compassion of Nigerians.
“The safe rescue has brought us immense relief after 56 days of anxiety and uncertainty. We feared we might never see our loved ones again, but hearing the good news and knowing they are alive and in good health is a great blessing. The ordeal stretched our faith and resilience, but with the prayers, support and collective efforts of countless people, good triumphed over evil. To God alone be all the glory,” he stated.
The family said the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers and assistance from Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora demonstrated the nation’s unity in times of adversity, making it imperative to publicly acknowledge those who stood by them throughout the ordeal.
They specially appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal for their commitment and sustained intervention throughout the rescue efforts.
The statement also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local police formations, traditional hunters, OPC, and other community security outfits for their unwavering commitment to securing the victims’ freedom.
The family equally acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, led by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, alongside the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, the Onpetu of Ijeru, the Aseyin of Iseyinland, the Alapa of Okin-Apa, the Aale of Okelerin, the Onisapa of Isapa, the Baale of Ahoro-Esinle and several other monarchs who participated in security meetings aimed at facilitating the victims’ release.
The family also expressed appreciation to members of the National Assembly, particularly Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, the management of LAUTECH, the university’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), religious organisations, socio-cultural groups and numerous individuals who provided financial, moral and spiritual support during the period.
Special recognition was also given to media organisations, including Ogbomoso Insight, Parrot FM, BCOS Ajilete FM, Brave FM, Ogo-Ilu FM, as well as other national and international media platforms, for sustaining public attention on the plight of the victims through objective and consistent reportage.
While celebrating the successful rescue, the family extended heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones to insecurity across the country and prayed for the safe release of others still being held captive.
They urged Nigerians to remain united regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences, stressing that the solidarity displayed throughout the ordeal showed that collective action and sincere collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities and citizens could overcome the nation’s security challenges.
The family concluded by praying for lasting peace in Nigeria, expressing hope for a country where every citizen can live safely and pursue legitimate aspirations without fear, while committing the nation, Oyo State, Ogbomosoland and all security personnel to God’s protection.
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