One of the teachers recently released after spending 56 days in captivity following the mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has revealed that the kidnappers released the hostages before security personnel later escorted them to safety. The teacher, Zacchaeus Olatunde, shared his account during a telephone interview, offering fresh insight into the circumstances surrounding their release.
According to Olatunde, the abductors unexpectedly informed the captives that they were free to leave and directed them out of the camp. He explained that he was the last person to leave because the key to his handcuffs had broken. The gang leader later guided him back to the correct path after he became disoriented in the forest. The freed hostages trekked for about an hour before motorcycles arranged by the kidnappers transported them closer to a nearby village.
Olatunde said the group continued on foot until they encountered government officials and security personnel. He noted that the captives were initially reluctant to approach them because some of the officials spoke Hausa and arrived in unmarked buses bearing Arabic inscriptions, prompting the victims to seek confirmation of their identities before accepting assistance.
Recounting their ordeal, the teacher said the abductors identified themselves as members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) rather than Boko Haram. He disclosed that the victims were blindfolded throughout their captivity and had no idea where they were being held. Although they endured harsh conditions, he said they were fed twice daily and were eventually allowed to pray under strict restrictions imposed by the kidnappers.
The mass abduction, which occurred in May 2026, sparked nationwide outrage and intensified calls for stronger security in schools. While authorities welcomed the safe return of the victims and pledged continued support, Olatunde appealed for greater assistance for the affected schools and communities as survivors begin the long process of recovery from the traumatic experience.
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