DSS Witness Reveals 56-Day Ordeal of Oyo Kidnap Victims

A witness identified as “AAA” for the Department of State Services (DSS) testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding the abduction of 49 students and teachers from schools in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area. The victims allegedly spent 56 days in captivity, moved through six camps, and faced severe hardships, including being forced to sleep barefoot on grass and exposed to the elements.

The witness recounted that armed men on 12 motorcycles invaded the schools, firing shots to prevent escape, and transported the victims using motorcycles and a Toyota car. The abductors claimed their demands were linked to the release of detained members of their group rather than ransom.

Tragically, two teachers, Deacon John Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun, were reportedly killed after the kidnappers stated the government was uncooperative. The victims endured food and water shortages, with four individuals sharing a single cup of water at times, and were served food in unsanitary conditions.

The defendants, accused of being part of the Ansaru terrorist group, include Mahmud Muhammad, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani.