There was an atmosphere of overwhelming joy in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as the husband of rescued school principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, led a thanksgiving service to mark her safe return from captivity.
In a video shared by Oyo Matters on Sunday, Professor Alamu was seen dancing with exuberance alongside members of his church during the special service, which also celebrated the release of his wife and other victims.
The heartfelt display underscored the relief and gratitude felt by the family and community following the ordeal.
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 across social media platforms, with many Nigerians describing Professor Alamu’s dance as a poignant display of relief and gratitude following the traumatic ordeal. His exuberant celebration has resonated widely, symbolizing the emotional release that accompanies such a hard‑won victory.
The successful rescue has also renewed hope among the families of the abducted schoolchildren. Many have expressed joy and anticipation as they await the long‑overdue opportunity to reunite with their loved ones after enduring weeks of captivity.
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