Some of the women and children who were abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, have recounted their painful experiences in captivity.
The freed victims, who are currently taking refuge at the Pulka Internally Displaced Persons camp, said it was only by the grace of God that they survived.
One of the victims, Zainab Ayuba, said she was sexually molested and her husband was killed by the terrorists.
“The experience is horrible and inhuman, because I was seriously molested sexually while in captivity. I prayed for even my enemies not to fall prey to Boko Haram terrorists,” she said.
Another victim, who gave her name as Hauwa Yusuf, complained that she suffered severe hunger while in captivity. She said she only got one meal per day, and the food usually consisted of guinea corn, maize and powdered grains without any soup or seasoning.
However, a 75-year-old man, Idris Mustapha, said he was given preferential treatment because of his age.
“I thank God and our security agencies for securing our lives. As for me, I am one of the lucky ones, because I was not molested or treated badly by the terrorists, maybe it’s because of my age. They gave me food three times a day and I felt comfortable,” Mustapha said.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Pulka on Monday and interacted with the rescued victims. He confirmed that the latest release comprised 357 persons, while approximately 82 others had regained their freedom spontaneously in smaller batches since their abduction.
Zulum particularly praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his personal intervention and commitment towards restoring peace, which he said accelerated the negotiation and rescue process.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State and Gwoza community in particular, to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the efforts that he has been making in ensuring the return of peace and stability not only to Borno State but to the entire country,” Zulum stated.
The governor also extended commendations to the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services, and all other security agencies involved in the operation.
Zulum directed the distribution of relief materials, comprising food and non-food items, to all the released persons as part of immediate intervention. The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical and psychological support in a government facility, after which they will be reintegrated into their communities.
