A survivor of the Orire school kidnapping, Olatunde Zacheus, has claimed that the armed group responsible for abducting teachers and pupils identified themselves as members of ISWAP, not Boko Haram or bandits.
According to a Vanguard report published on July 19, 2026, Zacheus recounted spending 56 days in captivity, saying the group’s commander made the declaration shortly before the victims were released. He added that the abductors spoke Hausa, English and Yoruba, although they were not Yoruba.
Recounting the attack, Zacheus said the gunmen stormed Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School while pupils were writing examinations.
“They removed the clothes from our eyes, removed the chains and handcuffs. They said they were not Boko Haram and not bandits. They referred to themselves as ISWAP,” he said.
Zacheus also revealed that he was unable to escape because of an injured leg and was later found while in hiding. Describing their eventual freedom as miraculous, he thanked God for preserving the lives of all the victims throughout their ordeal.
