Details have emerged from the Orire school abduction, as one of the survivors shared a heartbreaking account of the events that led to the deaths of two victims during the 56-day ordeal.
His testimony has provided a painful glimpse into what happened inside the terrorists’ camp and the harsh conditions endured by those held captive.
The survivor, Mr. Zacheaus Olatunde, explained that the deaths of Mr. Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye came after the terrorists accused them of violating their rules.
According to Olatunde, the terrorists maintained strict control over everyone they kidnapped. They reportedly ordered all captives to surrender their mobile phones immediately after arriving at the camp.
However, he claimed that Mr. Michael Oyedokun still had a phone in his pocket without knowing it had remained there.
According to the survivor, one of the terrorists riding with him discovered the device and questioned him about it.
Olatunde said the teacher explained that he did not hear the instruction to surrender every phone.
He recalled that the explanation did not calm the situation.
Instead, the terrorist allegedly slapped him before reporting the matter to one of the commanders.
According to Olatunde, the group operated with two leaders, whom they referred to as the General Commander and the Camp Commander.
He alleged that the General Commander became extremely angry after hearing about the phone.
Quoting the survivor, the commander reportedly declared, “If I didn’t k|| anyone…I must k*ll this man for disobeying my order.”*
Olatunde said the threat was carried out the following day. He recalled that Mr. Michael Oyedokun was dragged away while pleading for his life.
According to him, “He was shouting as they were dragging him away, he was begging and his noise was so loud but later…no more noise.”
Furthermore, the survivor alleged that a young terrorist later returned to celebrate the killing.
He claimed the teenager danced and sang after the teacher’s death.
The account also revealed how Deacon John Olaleye lost his life weeks later.
According to Olatunde, the terrorists accused him of allowing security forces to move closer to their location.
He explained that the kidnappers had warned repeatedly against any military approach.
However, he said Deacon Olaleye was later taken away on June 7. The survivor stated that the captives did not witness the killing directly.
Instead, they only heard disturbing sounds from another location. Moreover, Olatunde described the difficult conditions experienced throughout the captivity.
He said everyone was kept inside a tent while their hands were handcuffed and their legs chained.
According to him, the captives remained restrained throughout the entire 56 days.
In addition, they were blindfolded for long periods.
He explained that they had to seek permission before using the toilet. The survivor also disclosed that the terrorists frequently changed camps to avoid being traced.
Meanwhile, he alleged that they were sometimes beaten with gun butts. He added that adults were punished for mistakes made by the younger captives.
Despite their violent actions, Olatunde observed that the terrorists followed a strict routine.
He claimed they never joked with their prayer sessions.
According to him, they regularly prayed and recited the Quran without missing their scheduled worship.
Meanwhile, security agencies continue efforts to prosecute suspects linked to the attack.
Families of the victims also continue to seek justice for those who never returned home.
