A teacher who spent 56 days in captivity has recounted his ordeal, saying the kidnappers released him and the other victims before security operatives arrived to escort them home.

Zacchaeus Olatunde, a teacher at a school in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, was abducted along with pupils and staff by armed men. Speaking in an interview, Olatunde said they were blindfolded throughout their time in captivity and had no idea where they were being held.

He said the victims feared the government had forgotten them. According to him, the kidnappers claimed to be members of ISWAP and spoke different languages. They provided basic food but initially did not allow the captives to pray. Later, they were permitted to pray quietly.

Olatunde said the captives were eventually freed on the orders of the commander. They walked for about an hour before security personnel met and escorted them home.