I’m not afraid to go back to school — Rescued Oyo pupil

A 15-year-old pupil, Bello Hassan, who was among those abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has said he is determined to return to school despite spending 56 days in the custody of kidnappers.

Speaking with journalists in Ogbomoso on Wednesday after his discharge from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Hassan recounted how he and other victims were forced into the forest at gunpoint while he was writing a test.

He said the abductors marched the pupils and teachers through the forest for an entire day before arriving at their camp, where they were moved between different locations during their captivity.

According to him, the captives lived under trees, with the kidnappers using nylon sheets to shield them whenever it rained. He added that the female victims were initially asked to prepare meals before the abductors later took over the cooking.

Hassan said the kidnappers did not physically assault the pupils but regularly flogged the teachers and imposed strict restrictions on their movement and activities.

Asked about the reported killing of two teachers identified as Mr Michael and Deacon, the teenager said he did not witness the incident because it occurred at a different location.

He also revealed that the abductors communicated in English, Hausa and other languages while they held the victims.

Despite the traumatic experience, Hassan said he remains determined to continue his education.

“I am not afraid. If God wills, I will return to school,” he said.

Hassan was among the 44 pupils and teachers rescued on July 10 after being held for 56 days following the May 15 attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The victims were admitted to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital for medical evaluation and psychological support before being discharged on Wednesday.