News
Rescued Oyo Teacher Recounts 56-Day Captivity, Says Victims Were Blindfolded Throughout
By Rukevwe Odeh
One of the teachers recently freed after spending nearly two months in the custody of kidnappers in Oyo State has shared details of the traumatic experience, revealing that he and other captives remained blindfolded throughout their 56-day ordeal.
The teacher, Zacchaeus Olatunde, spoke during a telephone interview on Friday, explaining that the victims had no idea where they were taken because they were prevented from seeing their surroundings from the day of their abduction until they regained their freedom.
According to him, the captives lived in constant uncertainty, unsure whether they were still within Nigeria or had been moved across the country’s borders. Despite the fear and confusion, they held on to hope that public prayers and government efforts would eventually lead to their release.
Olatunde said the kidnappers communicated in several languages, including Hausa, Nupe, Yoruba and English. He added that although they were held against their will, the abductors provided food and repeatedly told them that their safety depended on cooperation from both the captives and government authorities.
He further disclosed that the kidnappers initially prohibited all forms of prayer. After about a month, the victims were allowed to pray quietly but were specifically warned not to mention the name of Jesus during their prayers.
Recalling the day they regained freedom, Olatunde said the leader of the kidnappers unexpectedly announced that they had been released before instructing them to remove their blindfolds. He declined to provide further details about the circumstances surrounding their freedom.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State. During the assault, an assistant headmaster was killed, while dozens of teachers and pupils were taken into captivity. The group eventually regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in the kidnappers’ camp.
Following their release, several survivors have continued to narrate the conditions they endured in captivity as investigations into the incident continue. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has filed terrorism-related charges against three suspects allegedly linked to the abduction.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
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