Survivor's resolve: Bello Hassan speaks after 56 days in captivity
Despite enduring 56 days of terrifying captivity in the forest, 15-year-old Bello Hassan has declared his unwavering resolve to return to his studies. The Oyo State pupil was among 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. They were rescued on July 10, 2026, after nearly two months in the hands of bandits.
Recounting the ordeal: from classroom to forest
Speaking to journalists in Ogbomoso after being discharged from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Hassan described how gunmen stormed his school during a test. "When I was in captivity, I was scared that my parents were at home and there was nobody to save me. I was in school writing a test when the gunmen invaded the school. When we saw the guns with the gunmen, we were scared, and they ordered us to march out and follow them."
The abductors forced the pupils and teachers to trek deep into the forest for an entire day before arriving at one of the camps around 7 p.m. "We didn't know where they took us, and we trekked for a day. We got to their location around 7 p.m. They moved us from one location to another for days," Hassan recounted.
Life under the trees: conditions in captivity
Hassan revealed that the captives lived under trees throughout their stay, with the kidnappers covering them with nylon sheets whenever it rained. "They cooked rice for us. They asked the females among us to cook for us, and later they started cooking for us. Whenever rain was about to fall, they covered us with nylon because we stayed under the tree."
While the pupils were not physically assaulted, their teachers were repeatedly flogged. "The gunmen didn't beat us, but only flogged our teachers. They didn't allow us to play around or do whatever we liked," Hassan said. He also disclosed that the kidnappers communicated in English, Hausa, and other languages while they were in captivity.
Teachers killed: what Hassan witnessed
Asked about the reported killing of two teachers, identified as Mr. Michael and Deacon, Hassan explained that he did not witness the incident because it happened at another location. "No, I didn't witness it. They were killed in another place."
Unwavering determination: "I am not afraid"
Despite the traumatic experience, the teenager says fear will not stop him from going back to school. "Since my return, I am not afraid. If God wills, I will return to school in the area."
Hassan was among the 44 pupils and teachers rescued on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity. The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State. Following their rescue, they were taken to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, where they received medical treatment, trauma care, and psychological support before being discharged.
Community and government response
The abduction drew widespread condemnation, and the Senate donated ₦10 million each to the families of the two slain teachers and soldiers killed in the rescue mission. The incident has reignited concerns over school security in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where bandit attacks are frequent.
