I’m not afraid to return to school, rescued Oyo pupil recounts ordeal in bandits’ captivity

Bello Hassan, a 15-year-old pupil, has spoken about his harrowing 56-day captivity following his abduction from a school in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State. Regaining his freedom, Hassan shared his experience with journalists, emphasizing his courage and determination to return to school.

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When I was in captivity, I was scared that my parents were at home and there was nobody to save me.

Recounting the abduction, Hassan described how armed men stormed his school while he was writing a test. The gunmen forced pupils and teachers into the forest at gunpoint. "When I was in captivity, I was scared that my parents were at home and there was nobody to save me," he said. The group trekked for an entire day to reach the kidnappers' hideout, arriving around 7 p.m. They were subsequently moved between various camps.

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The gunmen didn’t beat us, but only flogged our teachers. They didn’t allow us to play around or do whatever we liked.

Life in captivity was harsh. The victims lived under trees, and when rain threatened, they were covered with nylon. While the abductors initially had the female captives prepare meals, they later took over the cooking themselves. Hassan noted that the gunmen did not physically assault the pupils but frequently flogged the teachers and imposed strict restrictions, preventing the children from playing freely.

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No, I didn’t witness it. They were killed in another place.

Hassan did not witness the killing of two teachers, Mr. Michael and Deacon, stating they were killed at a different location. The abductors communicated in English, Hausa, and other languages. Despite the trauma, Hassan remains resolute about his education. "Since my return, I am not afraid. If God wills, I will return to school in the area," he declared.

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