The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has gifted a 2015 Toyota Camry to Mrs Rachael Alamu, the resilient principal of Community High School, Esinele.
The presentation took place on Monday following the historic rescue of Mrs Alamu, alongside several teachers and pupils, who were freed by security forces after surviving a gruelling 56-day ordeal in captivity.
The story behind the request
The car donation comes shortly after Mrs Alamu’s emotional handover to Governor Seyi Makinde at the State Secretariat in Ibadan.
Upon regaining her freedom, one of her first inquiries was about the vehicle she was driving on the day of her abduction.
Explaining the query, the principal revealed she had hoped the police had towed and recovered it, only to later learn that the kidnappers had driven it to a different location and set it ablaze.
During a hospital visit to the recovering victims on Monday night, Senator Alli and his political associates officially presented the vehicle to her.
A statement shared on his campaign’s official Facebook page emphasized that the gesture was a direct tribute to her leadership.
“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”.
The statement further noted that the gift highlights the candidate’s desire to support and honour individuals who demonstrate extraordinary bravery and integrity in service of their communities.
Survivors recount a terrifying 56 days
Reflecting on the terrifying experience, Mrs Alamu admitted that there were dark moments when the hope of survival wore incredibly thin. She also spoke of the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the deaths of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, both of whom were executed by the abductors.
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