‘They didn't beat us, they cooked rice for us’ - Rescued Oyo pupil narrate ordeal in kidnappers den

A 15-year-old pupil, Bello Hassan, who was among the victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has recounted his 56-day ordeal in captivity, saying he remains determined to return to school despite the traumatic experience.

Hassan spoke with journalists on Wednesday shortly after he and other rescued pupils and teachers were discharged from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, where they received medical treatment and psychological support following their rescue.

The teenager recalled that he was writing a test when armed men stormed his school and forced pupils and teachers into the forest at gunpoint.

"I was in school writing a test when the gunmen invaded the school. When we saw the guns they were carrying, we became frightened, and they ordered us to march out and follow them," he said.

He said the victims trekked for an entire day before arriving at the kidnappers' camp around 7 p.m., adding that they were subsequently moved between several locations during their captivity.

Hassan is one of the rescued Oyo pupils

"We didn't know where they took us. We trekked for a whole day and got to their location around 7 p.m. They moved us from one location to another for several days," Hassan said.

According to him, the captives were kept under trees throughout their stay and endured harsh weather conditions.

"They cooked rice for us. At first, they asked the female captives to prepare our meals before they later started cooking for us themselves. Whenever it was about to rain, they covered us with nylon because we stayed under the trees," he said.

Hassan disclosed that although the abductors did not physically assault the pupils, they regularly flogged the teachers and maintained strict control over everyone in captivity.

"The gunmen didn't beat us, but they flogged our teachers. They didn't allow us to play or do whatever we wanted," he added.

Reacting to reports that two teachers, identified as Mr Michael and Deacon, were killed by the abductors, Hassan said he did not witness the incident.

"No, I didn't witness it. They were killed in another place," he said.

He also revealed that the kidnappers communicated in English, Hausa and other languages while the victims were in captivity.

Despite the harrowing experience, the teenager said he remains committed to continuing his education.

"Since my return, I am not afraid. If God wills, I will return to school in the area," he said.

Hassan was among the 44 pupils and teachers rescued on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity following the May 15 attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.