She is kneeling. She is visibly distraught. And she is speaking directly to the President and Governor of her state from somewhere deep in a bush in Oyo State — begging them not to use force. The video of Mrs. Folawe Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, has broken hearts across Nigeria and set social media ablaze with calls for urgent government action.
 |
| Mrs Folawe Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, appeared in a viral video on Friday pleading with President Tinubu and Governor Makinde to negotiate with her captors. |
What Happened on May 15
The appeal comes nearly two weeks after gunmen attacked three schools — Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yamota; and L.A. Primary School, Alawusa — abducting seven teachers and 39 students on May 15, 2026.
During the attack, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded by the gunmen while in captivity. A motorcyclist was also killed, and a security operative died after reportedly stepping on an improvised explosive device planted by the abductors during early rescue attempts.
The brutality of the attack sent shockwaves through Nigeria. But nearly two weeks later, the teachers and students were still in the bush — and now the principal was speaking directly to the nation from captivity.
The Video That Broke Nigeria
Looking visibly distraught and kneeling in the video, Mrs Alamu said the victims had remained in the bush since the abduction and were being exposed to harsh weather conditions. "About 13 days ago we were picked from work and still now we are still in the bush. We are in the cold, we are under the sun and inside the rain, the children and adults as well. We are begging you, don't let them waste our lives," she said.
Mrs Alamu said the abductors were becoming impatient and frustrated, warning that the situation could deteriorate if urgent steps were not taken. "This does not call for force at all, just negotiate with them and dialogue with them," she added.
Force Made Things Worse
In her second video, Mrs Alamu gave a chilling account of what happened when security forces tried to move in. She said: "The force they used yesterday has caused us so much pain. It has added to our problem. In fact, one of us has been picked, and they said they will kill him because the government tried to help us by force. We want you to call them and dialogue with them so that our lives will be saved."
She specifically called on the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Christian Association of Nigeria to intervene, warning that any attempt to use force could cost lives.
Only the Governor Will Do
Sources revealed that the abductors refused to speak directly with the families of the victims, insisting they would only negotiate with the governor. That demand puts Governor Seyi Makinde in an extraordinarily difficult position — one where the choice between negotiation and force carries life and death consequences for 46 people, including dozens of children.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, while receiving visitors during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Ibadan, assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims. But for a principal kneeling in a forest and pleading for her life, assurances are not enough.
A Nation Watches and Waits
The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West zone, expressed deep concern about the continued captivity of the abducted students and teachers, saying the incident has left families devastated, communities traumatised, and many Nigerians anxiously awaiting the safe return of the victims.
Nigeria has seen many kidnapping crises. But something about the sight of a school principal — a woman who dedicated her life to educating children — kneeling in a bush and begging her country's leaders to save her cuts deeper than statistics ever could.
The question now is simple and urgent: will President Tinubu and Governor Makinde listen before it is too late?
🎥 Watch the Viral Video Below
📺 Click here to watch Mrs Alamu's appeal video via Instagram
For the latest breaking news and security updates, follow Mercy Buzz Hub — your number one source for global sports and entertainment updates.
.png)