Released school counsellor Olatunde Zachaeus has narrated how he and other captives, held for 56 days after their abduction in Oriire, Oyo State, were suddenly and unexpectedly freed by their ISWAP captors before a tense journey to safety.
A teacher released after spending 56 days in captivity following the mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has narrated how he and other captives were unexpectedly released by their abductors.
Speaking during a live interview on 99.3 Nigeria Info FM, school counsellor Olatunde Zachaeus said the militants’ commander suddenly appeared in a cheerful mood and announced their freedom, unlocking chains on the adult male captives before directing them out of the forest.
Tribune reports that Zachaeus, whose handcuff key had broken, said one militant suggested cutting off his hands before another eventually picked the lock.
“The way we were freed was miraculous. One day, their commander came and they were just laughing and smiling. They said we should thank God that we had been freed,” he said.
He recounted trekking for hours through forest paths, crossing two rivers — one filled to the bank — where he carried children and elders across, before eventually meeting security officers in an unmarked, tinted bus that initially sparked panic among the freed captives.
“What made us panic the more was that they were speaking in Hausa language… I told my principal that I was afraid. This bus has no number plate and with tinted glass, what if they take us to Mali,” he said, adding that reassurance in English, and later Yoruba, eventually calmed them.
Zachaeus said throughout the 56-day ordeal, male captives were kept blindfolded and chained, surviving on two sparse meals daily.
He recalled the killing of Vice Principal Michael Oyedokun, accused by militants of hiding a mobile phone, and teacher John Olaleye, executed to send a warning to security forces.
The group identified itself as members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Zachaeus said, adding that captives were initially forbidden from mentioning Jesus or praying aloud, though this was later relaxed.
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