There was an outpouring of joy in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as the husband of rescued school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, led a thanksgiving celebration following her release from captivity.
In a video shared by Oyo Matters on Sunday captured Professor Alamu dancing exuberantly with members of his church during a special thanksgiving service held to celebrate the safe return of his wife and the other victims.
In the emotional footage, the congregation repeatedly sang “Hallelujah” as the professor joined fellow worshippers in expressing gratitude after weeks of uncertainty over the fate of the abductees.
Mrs Alamu, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was among the teachers and pupils kidnapped by armed men on May 15, 2026, while at the school.
The victims remained in captivity for more than 50 days before regaining their freedom.
The Federal Government confirmed the rescue on Friday, with the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announcing that security agencies had successfully secured the release of all the captives.
Following their rescue, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited the victims on Saturday at the Military Hospital in Ibadan, where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support.
The rescued pupils and teachers are expected to be formally handed over to the Oyo State Government on Monday before reuniting with their families.
For Professor Alamu and his family, the thanksgiving service marked one of the first public moments of celebration since his wife’s release.
The video has since gone viral on social media, with many Nigerians describing the professor’s dance as a touching expression of relief and gratitude after the traumatic ordeal.
The rescue has also brought hope to the families of the schoolchildren, many of whom have expressed excitement as they await the opportunity to finally embrace their loved ones after weeks in captivity.
