APC Candidate Gifts Car to Rescued Principal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli, has given a 2015 Toyota Camry to Rachael Alamu. She is the principal of Community High School, Esiele, who was rescued from kidnappers.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that security agents freed Mrs Alamu along with some pupils and teachers. They had been taken from three schools in Oyo State and held for fifty-six days.

On Monday, after being rescued, Mrs Alamu and the other victims were handed over to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. Mrs Alamu shared why she asked for her car after her rescue.

She said she thought the police had found her vehicle. Later, she learned that her abductors had burned it.

Mr Alli presented the car to Mrs Alamu when he visited the rescued pupils and teachers in the hospital. His campaign team shared the news on his Facebook page on Monday night.

The statement said:

"The donation was in recognition of the exceptional leadership, resilience, and motherly courage Mrs Alamu displayed during her traumatic experience in the captivity of her abductors. Her composure, strength of character, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity have inspired many across Oyo State."

Recognition of Integrity

The statement highlighted that the car gift showed Mr Alli’s appreciation for those who show integrity, bravery, and commitment to helping others.

“It also reflects his belief that acts of exceptional character and sacrifice deserve recognition and encouragement,” it added.

This newspaper previously reported that Mrs Alamu shared her painful experience. She described how she and the others had little hope of surviving while in captivity.

She explained how the abductors killed the mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, and another victim, Esiyan Adegboye.

Mrs Alamu said: “There are times when we had hope that we won’t come out alive. Mr Michael was killed on the second day we got there. Deacon was killed on the first Sunday of June. They killed them purposely because they felt that would force the hand of the government to give them whatever they wanted.

“They tried a lot, but we are grateful that we have the government that thought much of us. We discovered that the whole world was interested in our case. So, all I want to say is thank you very much to everybody. Especially the officers, the governor, the president, everyone who has been involved in this case.”

She added that both teachers and pupils are still facing the emotional and psychological effects of what happened. She noted that it will take time for them to heal.

She also thanked Nigerians and everyone whose prayers and support helped secure their freedom.

“We believe with time we will heal. I pray that the Lord will console the families of those who lost their lives. So, on behalf of everyone, we are saying thank you from the depths of our hearts.

“We appreciate you so much. We appreciate all you have done, the efforts you have put in so that we all came out alive,” she said.