Rescued pupils and teachers kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have recounted the traumatic experiences they endured during 56 days in captivity, revealing that children were repeatedly beaten while male teachers were chained and blindfolded by their abductors.
The victims were formally handed over to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Dada, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, disclosed that they were transported deep into the forest on about 10 motorcycles and travelled for more than four hours through difficult terrain.
She explained that the kidnappers frequently moved them from one location to another whenever they sensed security forces were closing in, with some of the journeys lasting over 12 hours.
According to her, the constant movement left many of the victims with bruises, while the children were often beaten whenever they made noise because the abductors feared they would attract security operatives.
Alamu also revealed that the male teachers remained blindfolded and had their legs chained for most of their captivity. She, however, stated that none of the female victims was sexually assaulted.
The principal described the psychological torture inflicted on the captives, saying the kidnappers repeatedly told them they had been abandoned by the government in an attempt to break their morale.
She disclosed that two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon Adesiyan Adegboye, were executed during the captivity to pressure the government into meeting the kidnappers’ demands.
Despite the ordeal, she said the victims remained hopeful through prayers and only realised after their rescue that Nigerians and the international community had been following their situation closely.
Governor Makinde praised the security agencies for the successful operation and pledged comprehensive medical, psychological and educational support for the rescued teachers and pupils.
He also announced that the victims would undergo medical and psychological evaluations before reuniting with their families, assuring them that their education and careers would not suffer because of the incident.
The governor paid tribute to the eight people who lost their lives during the abduction and rescue efforts, including three teachers, three Amotekun operatives and two military personnel.
Major General Nnebeife disclosed that the rescue operation succeeded after security forces abandoned direct pursuit of the kidnappers and instead dismantled their logistics and supply network.
He explained that intelligence-led operations tracked the kidnappers’ collaborators across several states before security operatives shut down their major logistics base in Ashamu, Oyo State, cutting off food supplies and forcing the abductors to release the victims unconditionally.
The Army commander reaffirmed the military’s policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorists, while also revealing that investigations uncovered collaboration between some local vigilantes, hunters and criminal elements.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde called for an independent international investigation into the abduction, urging the United Nations and other global accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to him, the gravity of the case raises questions about possible negligence or collusion within the country’s security architecture and deserves scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
Makinde stressed that the proposed investigation is intended to ensure accountability rather than undermine local institutions, insisting that everyone found culpable, regardless of status, should face justice.
He also announced plans by the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around access routes to the Old Oyo National Park as part of measures to prevent future attacks.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue pursuing justice while supporting the victims on their journey to recovery.