Teacher Rescued After 56 Days in Oyo State Captivity

Zacchaeus Olatund, a teacher abducted from a school in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, was held captive for 56 days. In a telephone interview with Nigeria Info FM, he revealed that he was blindfolded throughout his captivity and could not determine his location.

Olatund stated that the kidnappers, who identified themselves as members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, provided minimal food and restricted religious practices. He was fed twice daily but faced strict prohibitions on prayer, especially mentioning that they warned him not to mention Jesus' name aloud.

His unexpected release came when the kidnappers informed him he was free, and he was escorted home by security personnel. Olatund described the journey back, including a trek through the forest and helping younger pupils cross a river.

Despite his safe return, he noted a lack of financial support for himself and his school.