•Some kidnap victims
Fatima Mohammed, one of the 145 abductees recently rescued from Woro in Kwara State and handed over to the Niger State Government by the federal government, has recounted the harsh conditions she and others endured during their time in captivity.
Speaking after regaining freedom, Fatima said the victims spent six months and two weeks in the custody of terrorists, where they were subjected to severe hardship and deprived of basic necessities, reports The Nation.
“I am very excited because I am going to be reunited with my family again,” she said.
She explained that the abductees had no freedom of movement and were forced to sleep in the open throughout their stay, regardless of weather conditions.
“There were no rooms to sleep in. We slept in the open, even when it was raining. We did not have clothes to change. Whenever our clothes got soaked by the rain, they dried on our bodies because we had nothing else to wear,” she recalled.
Fatima further disclosed that the victims also struggled with inadequate food and other difficult living conditions while in captivity.
Another rescued victim, 17-year-old Isyaka Ahmed, said he was threatened with death after attempting to escape from the terrorists.
He described hunger and physical stress as the most difficult aspects of their ordeal.
“They threatened to kill me when I tried to escape,” he said, adding that some boys are still being held by the terrorists.
Despite the experience, Isyaka expressed relief and happiness at being reunited with his family.
Receiving the rescued abductees on behalf of the Niger State governor, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Dantoro, described the development as a moment of joy for the emirate.
“Today is like a Sallah day in our kingdom,” the traditional ruler said, expressing gratitude for the safe return of the victims.
