Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to negotiate with her captors instead of using force.

Alamu was abducted alongside staff members and students on May 15 after gunmen attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso.

The attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, kidnapped several students and teachers from Community High School, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

During the attack, the gunmen killed an assistant headmaster identified as Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist. Governor Makinde later disclosed that seven teachers were abducted, while one of them, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed in captivity.

A viral video which surfaced days later allegedly showed Oyedokun being beheaded by the kidnappers, sparking outrage and renewed fears over the safety of those still in captivity.

In videos shared on Instagram on Friday, Alamu pleaded with the federal and state governments not to attempt a forceful rescue, saying such actions had worsened their situation.

“Please, I am begging President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to help us by negotiating with these people. They should not use force,” she said.

“The force they used yesterday caused us more pain. One of us has been selected, and they threatened to kill him because the government tried to rescue us by force.”

In another clip, the principal said the victims had spent about 13 days in captivity and were suffering in harsh conditions.

“We are in the bush under the rain and sun. The children and all of us are here. Please help us and negotiate for our release. Don’t let them waste our lives,” she pleaded.

She also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, ANCOPSS and the Nigeria Union of Teachers to intervene and help secure their freedom through dialogue.