Oyo teacher says kidnappers freed captives before soldiers arrived
One of the rescued teachers, Zacchaeus Olatunde, shared details about his 56-day ordeal in captivity after being abducted in Oyo State. He revealed that the kidnappers released him and the other captives before security personnel escorted them home. Olatunde described harsh conditions, including being blindfolded and restricted from praying aloud. He also stated that, despite their release, he has not received any financial support.
What happened
- Zacchaeus Olatunde said the kidnappers released the captives before security forces arrived to take them home.
- The captives were blindfolded throughout their 56 days in captivity and were fed twice daily.
- The kidnappers identified themselves as ISWAP, not Boko Haram, and initially prohibited the captives from praying aloud or mentioning the name of Jesus.
- After their release, the group trekked and rode motorcycles before meeting government rescue personnel, whom they initially feared due to language and lack of identification.
- Olatunde reported receiving medication for his arthritis from the kidnappers and has not received financial support since returning home.
