Rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have shared harrowing details of the 56 days they spent in captivity, describing physical abuse, psychological torture and constant movement through forests by their kidnappers.
The victims were officially received by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan after they were handed over by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife.
Speaking on behalf of the rescued victims, the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Dada, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, said the abductors repeatedly assaulted the children for making noise, while male teachers were blindfolded and kept in chains for most of their captivity.
She explained that the victims were transported deep into the forest on about 10 motorcycles, travelling for more than four hours through difficult terrain. Throughout their captivity, the kidnappers frequently relocated them whenever they believed security forces were closing in.
According to her, some of the forced movements lasted between three and twelve hours, leaving many of the victims with bruises and injuries. Older female students often carried younger children during the exhausting treks through the forest.
Mrs. Alamu revealed that the kidnappers used intimidation and violence to pressure the authorities, deliberately executing some captives in an attempt to force the government into meeting their demands. She disclosed that teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed on the second day of captivity, while another teacher, Deacon Adesiyan Adegboye, was later executed in early June.
The abductors also tried to weaken the victims’ morale by repeatedly telling them they had been abandoned by the government. Despite the threats and harsh conditions, the captives remained hopeful and relied on their faith while awaiting rescue.
Although she said the female victims were not sexually assaulted, Mrs. Alamu noted that the emotional trauma suffered by everyone would take a long time to heal. She thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Makinde, the military and other security agencies for securing their freedom and prayed for the families of those who lost their lives.
Governor Makinde identified eight people who died during the abduction and rescue efforts, including three teachers, three Amotekun operatives and two military personnel. He assured the rescued pupils and teachers that the state government would provide medical care, psychological support and ensure their education and careers were not disrupted.
Major General Nnebeife explained that security forces initially searched the forests around the Old Oyo National Park but later changed tactics because the dense vegetation made aerial surveillance ineffective. Instead of directly pursuing the kidnappers, security agencies focused on disrupting their supply chain and logistics network.
He said the operation involved collaboration between the military, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun and other security agencies.
According to the GOC, intelligence operations led security forces to identify and dismantle the kidnappers’ logistics base in Ashamu, Oyo State, after tracking members of the criminal network across several states, including Adamawa and Kano. He said cutting off food and other supplies forced the kidnappers to release the victims without conditions.
The military also disclosed that intelligence gathered during the operation suggested that some local vigilantes and hunters collaborated with the criminal group, adding that efforts would be made to strengthen local security structures.
Governor Makinde announced that all rescued victims would undergo comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations before reuniting with their families. He also pledged to work with the affected schools to ensure the pupils and teachers resume normal academic activities without setbacks.
In addition, the governor called for an independent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue operation, urging the United Nations and other global accountability bodies to examine the incident. He said the probe would help establish whether there was any negligence or collusion and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
Makinde stressed that the search for justice would continue despite the successful rescue, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving public safety and protecting lives across the state.
