The Terrorists Released Us Before Soldiers Took Us Home” – Rescued Oyo Teacher Reveals Shocking Details of 56-Day Ordeal

One of the teachers rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has made a startling claim about how they regained their freedom.

Speaking during a telephone interview on Nigeria Info FM, the teacher, Zacchaeus Olatunde, said the kidnappers released them on their own before security operatives eventually met them and escorted them home.

According to him, the abductors gathered the victims one morning, smiling and telling them they had been set free.

“They told us to thank God that we had been freed. Their commander even showed me the correct route to follow after I mistakenly took the wrong path,” he recounted.

Olatunde explained that he was the last victim to be released because the key to his handcuffs broke. He said one of the terrorists even suggested cutting off his hand to remove the cuffs before another opted to untie him with a rope instead. �

Vanguard News

The teacher also shared details of life inside the terrorists' camp, revealing that the captives were fed twice daily but were initially prevented from praying. After about a month, they were allowed to pray on one condition—they must not mention the name of Jesus aloud.

“They told us we could pray, but we should not call the name of Jesus,”

He further claimed that medication given to him by the kidnappers unexpectedly cured the arthritis in his leg, an illness he said had troubled him for years despite several hospital visits.

His testimony has sparked widespread debate because it appears to differ from the official account provided by the military.

The Nigerian Army had earlier stated that the victims regained their freedom after an intelligence-led operation lasting more than a month. According to the military, multiple arrests and sustained pressure on the terrorist network forced the abductors to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally. Authorities also maintained that no ransom was paid and no concessions were made to secure their release. �

Channels Television

Despite the differing narratives, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured the rescued teachers and pupils of medical, psychological and educational support as they recover from the traumatic experience.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping 39 pupils and seven teachers. All the victims eventually regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity.