By Odunola Esther Owolabi

For 56 days, the forest became home to dozens of teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

They slept under trees, trekked through the bush for hours at night, endured rain and scorching sun, and watched two of their teachers lose their lives.

Now safely reunited with their families, the survivors are beginning to share the story of the ordeal they never imagined they would live through.

Speaking after she and the other rescued teachers and pupils were formally received by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor's Office in Ibadan on Monday, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, described the weeks in captivity as a test of endurance and faith.

The teachers and pupils were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School, Esiele; and Community High School, Esiele. They regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.

 "It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, most of the time, under the sun and under the rain, with the children. We kept going because there was no way out. We believed only God could help us, and we knew people were praying for us," Alamu said.

According to her, the group rarely remained in one location for long.

Whenever the abductors believed security personnel were getting close, they gathered the teachers and pupils and moved them deeper into the forest, often under the cover of darkness.

"When the place was discovered, we had to move, usually around seven or eight at night. Sometimes we walked for three to four hours. That is why you see bruises on our bodies."

She said the youngest children struggled the most during the ordeal.

Because the kidnappers feared their cries might expose their location, some of the children were gagged and beaten whenever they made noise.

"The kidnappers hated noise because they believed it could attract attention. The youngest children suffered the most. They tied their mouths with pieces of cloth and beat them very well."

Despite the harsh treatment, Alamu said none of the teachers or pupils was sexually assaulted while in captivity.

She also recalled how the group was initially taken deeper into the forest shortly after the abduction.

Her vehicle, she said, was used to transport them before they were transferred onto motorcycles that travelled for hours through bush paths.

"My car was used to convey us to where we met the primary school pupils and their teacher. From there, we walked for about an hour before they brought motorcycles. About 10 motorcycles carried us for more than four hours through bush paths they knew very well."

The experience became even more devastating with the loss of two teachers.

According to Alamu, one teacher identified as Mr. Michael was killed on the second day of captivity, while another teacher, identified simply as Deacon, was killed weeks later.

"They killed them purposely because they thought it would force the hand of the government to provide them whatever they wanted."

Among the rescued pupils was 15-year-old Bello Hassan, who said he was writing an examination when the attack began.

"We were taking tests when they came and we were forced to follow them because they had guns and were shooting. We walked for hours before getting to where they took us."

He said the group was constantly moved from one location to another while under the watch of the abductors.

According to Bello, the kidnappers prepared meals for the teachers and pupils for most of the period they were held, although they briefly allowed some of the women among them to cook.

He also recalled the painful moment one of the teachers was taken away.

"When they were to kill our teacher, Mr. Michael, they took him to a corner. Although the killing did not happen in my presence, we heard his shout. That was the same thing they did to Deacon."

Bello said the abductors covered the teachers and pupils with nylon sheets whenever rain fell.

Despite everything he experienced, the teenager said he still hopes to continue his education.

"If God wills it, I will return to school in this area."

For Alamu, returning to the classroom will require time.

Having spent 28 years as a teacher, she admitted that the experience has left her uncertain about working in another rural community.

"I have worked for 28 years and have about four years left before retirement. Going back to a rural area now will take the grace of God. I want to see my husband first. When I get home, I can think about every other thing."

As the teachers and pupils begin life after captivity, many say they are grateful to be reunited with their loved ones.

For Alamu, the experience will always remain part of her story, but so too will the hope that carried them through each day in the forest.

"We have scars already, and we believe that God will heal us."