A 15-year-old pupil, Bello Hassan, has declared that he is ready to return to school despite spending 56 days in bandits’ captivity following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Speaking to journalists in Ogbomoso after his discharge from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Hassan recounted the traumatic experience, saying fear would not stop him from continuing his education.

According to Punch Newspapers, Hassan was writing a test on May 15 when armed men stormed his school, forcing pupils and teachers into the forest at gunpoint.

He said the captives trekked throughout the day before reaching the kidnappers’ camp around 7 p.m. and were subsequently moved between different hideouts.

Hassan recalled that the abductors initially directed the female captives to prepare meals before taking over the cooking themselves. The victims slept under trees and were covered with nylon sheets whenever it rained.

He added that while the kidnappers did not physically assault the pupils, they frequently flogged the teachers and imposed strict restrictions on everyone in captivity.

The teenager said he did not witness the killing of two teachers, identified as Mr Michael and Deacon, explaining that they were held at a different location.

He also revealed that the abductors communicated in English, Hausa and other languages.

Despite the ordeal, Hassan expressed determination to resume his education.

“Since my return, I am not afraid. If God wills, I will return to school in the area,” he said.

Hassan was among the 44 pupils and teachers rescued on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity. The victims later received medical care and psychological rehabilitation at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso before being discharged.