A rescued Oyo teacher has shared a different account of how freedom came after nearly two months in captivity. Zacchaeus Olatunde said the abductors released the victims before security personnel later escorted them home.
ORIIRE, OYO STATE — Zacchaeus Olatunde, one of the teachers abducted during the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has narrated how he and other captives regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity. Speaking during a radio interview, Olatunde said the abductors released the group before they later met soldiers who took them home, a version that differs from the official account of a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies.
Why This Happened
According to Olatunde, the armed group unexpectedly informed the captives that they were free after weeks in the forest. He said the victims were directed to leave the camp and walked for several hours through difficult terrain before meeting security personnel. He explained that soldiers later escorted them to safety.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that security agencies secured the victims’ freedom after an intelligence-led operation. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while other members of the group were subdued during the operation. Officials also maintained that no ransom was paid and no prisoner exchange took place.
What They Said
Olatunde said the group’s commander informed the captives that they were free before directing them out of the forest. He added that they later encountered soldiers who escorted them home.
The Presidency, however, has consistently maintained that the victims regained their freedom through a coordinated security operation involving the military, intelligence agencies and other security organisations. Authorities have not publicly responded to Olatunde’s latest account.
Who Is Zacchaeus Olatunde?
Zacchaeus Olatunde is a school counsellor who was among the teachers abducted when armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. He spent 56 days in captivity alongside pupils and fellow teachers before regaining freedom.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development means more details are emerging about one of Nigeria’s most closely watched school abduction cases. While security agencies have credited intelligence-led operations for the victims’ freedom, Olatunde’s testimony has prompted fresh public interest in understanding the exact sequence of events that led to their release. Authorities are expected to provide further clarification as investigations continue.
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