A survivor of the abduction at a secondary school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has described the harsh conditions he and other hostages allegedly endured while in captivity.
According to The Sun on July 18, 2026, Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus, a teacher who was among those abducted during the attack, said the kidnappers imposed strict rules and closely monitored the captives throughout their ordeal.
“They instructed us not to pray or invoke Jesus’ name. If they caught us praying, they would beat us without mercy,” Zacchaeus said.
He alleged that the abductors enforced the directive through violence, making life in captivity more traumatic. Despite the threats, he said many of the hostages quietly held on to their faith while avoiding actions that could attract punishment.
Zacchaeus said the victims relied on patience and mutual encouragement to cope with the uncertainty, adding that they constantly supported one another emotionally while hoping to reunite with their families.
He described each day in captivity as being marked by fear, with the kidnappers closely monitoring their movements and reactions. The abduction drew widespread attention after gunmen attacked the school and kidnapped students, teachers and other members of the school community.
