According to Alamu, the military offensive became so severe that the captives momentarily feared the air strikes more than their abductors. This intense military activity also enraged the kidnappers, who had previously raised hopes among the hostages by claiming Governor Seyi Makinde had given assurances of their release before the end of the week.

Tensions peaked when a gang commander summoned Alamu, blaming the government’s actions for frustrating the group and threatening to kill a captive. In a desperate plea, Alamu begged the commander not to harm anyone else, reminding him of the two men from their group who had already been killed. The commander eventually calmed down and asked Alamu how the stalemate could be resolved, prompting her to urge him to make demands that the victims’ families could realistically meet.

The captives faced another terrifying moment when they heard sounds of digging at night, fearing the abductors were preparing graves. However, the situation shifted unexpectedly when the gang ordered them to move camp, threatening to kill the children if they cried out for food. Throughout the ordeal, Alamu’s concerns extended beyond her own safety to the health of her husband and the possibility of not finding him at home. She expressed profound gratitude to God for surviving the 56 days and reuniting with her family.