Fifteen-year-old Bello Hassan, one of the pupils rescued after being abducted during an attack on a school in Oyo State, has shared a chilling account of his time in captivity, saying the experience has not diminished his determination to continue his education.
Bello recalled that the attack began while he and his classmates were writing a test. According to him, heavily armed men suddenly invaded the school, firing gunshots and ordering both pupils and teachers to follow them into the forest.
He said the captives trekked for about a day before reaching the kidnappers’ camp at around 7 p.m.
Although their movements were tightly restricted, Bello said the children were given food and a place to sleep. However, he noted that the teachers appeared to suffer harsher treatment during the period of captivity.
The teenager also spoke about the deaths of two fellow captives, saying he did not witness the killing of Mr Michael because the victim had been taken away before those left behind heard a loud scream. He added that a deacon who was also being held captive suffered a similar fate.
Bello said the kidnappers communicated in both Hausa and English and would cover the captives with tarpaulins whenever it rained.
Despite the frightening ordeal, Bello insisted that he would not allow fear to stand in the way of his education.
“I’m not afraid. And if it is God’s will, I will go back to school,” he said.
His words reflect a remarkable resilience and determination to rebuild his life after surviving one of the most traumatic experiences a child could endure.