Rescued Oyo school principal recounts how kidnappers forced pupils, teachers on nightly treks to evade troops

A school principal abducted for weeks in Nigeria's Oyo state has described, following her rescue, the ordeal her group endured. She said her captors forced the group on long nightly treks whenever they sensed security forces closing in.

According to her account, the kidnappers carried the youngest three children themselves, while older secondary school girls had to carry some of the smaller pupils. The group fell repeatedly from exhaustion during the marches.

The abduction unfolded during a period of sustained security operations in the region. The kidnappers frequently changed routes to evade military patrols and preferred to move the group under cover of night.

The pupils and teachers were held under difficult conditions for weeks. The principal said the children endured significant physical and emotional strain throughout the ordeal.

Local authorities confirmed the group was freed following a security operation. Parents and education officials have called for stronger security around schools in the area.