The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful in Oyo State for the 2027 election, Adebayo Alli, has presented a brand-new car to a school principal who was recently rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following a terrorist attack on schools in the state.
The vehicle was presented as a gesture of appreciation to the principal, Mrs. Alamu, whose courage and resilience during the traumatic ordeal have drawn widespread commendation from political leaders, education stakeholders and members of the public.
Mrs. Alamu was among nearly 50 pupils and teachers abducted during a coordinated attack on three schools near Ogbomoso by suspected members of the Ansaru terrorist group. The victims were rescued by security forces on July 10 after weeks in captivity, bringing relief to their families and communities.
Security agencies confirmed that eight suspects were arrested during the rescue operation, describing the mission as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal groups responsible for attacks on schools and rural communities.
Speaking while presenting the vehicle, Alli described the gift as a token of appreciation rather than a political gesture. He praised the principal for demonstrating remarkable strength and dedication in protecting the pupils under her care despite the difficult circumstances she endured during the prolonged captivity.
According to the APC governorship aspirant, the experience of the rescued principal symbolises the sacrifices made daily by Nigerian teachers and school administrators, many of whom continue to serve under increasingly challenging security conditions.
He urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around educational institutions and provide better support for teachers and students affected by violence.
The donation comes as Mrs. Alamu begins the process of recovering from the physical and emotional trauma associated with the abduction. Education experts have stressed the importance of long-term medical care, counselling and psychosocial support for all victims to facilitate their reintegration into normal life.
The presentation of the vehicle has also coincided with a growing political debate over the circumstances surrounding the school attack and the subsequent rescue operation.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde recently called for a United Nations investigation into the incident, arguing that several unanswered questions surrounding the abduction and rescue warranted an independent international inquiry.
The governor’s position has attracted criticism from the Presidency and some federal lawmakers, who described the call as unnecessary and inconsistent with the responsibilities of a state governor. They argued that Nigeria’s security and investigative institutions are capable of handling the matter without external intervention.
However, supporters of Governor Makinde have defended his remarks, insisting that an independent review could strengthen accountability and improve strategies for preventing future attacks on schools. They also accused critics of applying double standards, pointing to previous instances in which APC leaders had supported external scrutiny of security-related matters.
Meanwhile, education advocates have renewed calls for increased investment in school security, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration among security agencies to protect learning institutions from criminal attacks.
Parents and community leaders have welcomed the safe return of the pupils and teachers while urging both federal and state governments to prioritise the safety of schools across the country. Many believe that beyond political disagreements, the focus should remain on preventing future attacks and ensuring that children can pursue their education in secure and peaceful environments.
As the rescued victims continue their recovery, the donation to Mrs. Alamu has been widely viewed as a gesture of solidarity and recognition of the resilience displayed by educators who continue to serve despite the growing security challenges confronting the nation’s education sector.
