Oyo Teacher Recounts 56 Days in Captivity, Says Kidnappers Freed Victims Before Security Escort
A teacher, Zacchaeus Olatunde, who was rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following the abduction of staff and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has narrated how the victims regained their freedom, claiming the kidnappers released them before security personnel later escorted them home.
Speaking during a telephone interview monitored by PulseNets, Olatunde said the victims remained blindfolded throughout their captivity and never knew the exact location where they were being held.
“We didn’t even know if we were in Nigeria or another country,” he said.
The teacher disclosed that the captives at some point feared they had been abandoned, believing the government had forgotten about them. He further alleged that the abductors communicated in Hausa, Nupe, English and Yoruba, and identified themselves as members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“They said they are not Boko Haram. They said they are ISWAP,” Olatunde stated.
According to Olatunde, the victims were provided meals twice daily, including rice, beans and other basic food items, although they were initially prohibited from praying.
He explained that after spending about a month in captivity, the kidnappers relaxed the restriction and permitted prayers, but imposed strict conditions.
“They warned us not to mention the name of Jesus and not to pray aloud,” he recalled.
Olatunde further revealed that their release came after the group’s commander informed them they were free and urged them to give thanks to God for regaining their freedom.
Also Read: Oyo School Abduction: Senator Buhari Explains Why Security Forces Cannot Attack Kidnappers Holding 47 Children
The rescued teacher said the victims trekked for about an hour after leaving the camp before they were picked up on motorcycles and transported close to a nearby village. He added that they later encountered security operatives, who escorted them safely back home.
