Fatima Mohammed, among the 145 rescued abductees from Woro in Kwara State handed over to the Niger State Government by the Federal Government, has narrated the harsh conditions she and other victims endured during six months in the custody of terrorists.
Speaking after regaining freedom, Fatima said they remained in captivity for six months and two weeks, during which they faced extreme hardship and were denied basic necessities.
“I am very excited because I am going to be reunited with my family again,” she said.
According to her, the abductees were not allowed freedom of movement and were compelled to sleep outdoors throughout their captivity, irrespective 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 stated that the victims also endured insufficient food and other difficult living conditions while being held by the terrorists.
Another rescued victim, 17-year-old Isyaka Ahmed, said the terrorists threatened to kill him after he attempted to escape.
He said hunger and physical exhaustion were the most severe challenges they experienced during the period of captivity.
“They threatened to kill me when I tried to escape,” he said, adding that some boys remain in the custody of the terrorists.
Despite the traumatic ordeal, Isyaka expressed happiness over 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 occasion as a day of celebration for the emirate.
“Today is like a Sallah day in our kingdom,” the traditional ruler said, while expressing gratitude over the safe return of the victims.
