According to a report by Vanguard on 19th July 2026, one of the survivors of the Orire school kidnapping, Olatunde Zacheus, said the group that abducted him, other teachers and pupils identified themselves as ISWAP, not Boko Haram or bandits.
Zacheus, who spent 56 days in captivity, said the group’s commander made the declaration shortly before they were released. He explained that the kidnappers spoke Hausa, English and Yoruba, although they were not Yoruba people.
Recounting the attack, Zacheus said gunmen stormed Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School on May 15 while pupils were writing their tests. He said students fled after hearing gunshots and shouting that bandits had invaded the school.
He said, “That day, 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.”
Zacheus, who was suffering from arthritis, could not escape because of his injured leg. He hid in the grass but was later discovered and captured after a pupil unknowingly revealed his hiding place.
The teacher said the victims eventually regained their freedom after weeks in captivity. He described their release as a miracle, saying they were directed through the forest before reaching a village where security operatives received them.
Lastly, he recalled helping several children and other victims cross two rivers during the journey to safety. He praised God for their survival and called for continued support for those still recovering from the traumatic experience…See_More
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