In a significant breakthrough, Nigerian authorities have successfully rescued 58 kidnapped victims from a terrorist stronghold in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The Federal Government has transferred these individuals to the Kaduna State Government after confirming their health conditions.
The victims, comprising 23 females and 35 males, were initially abducted during separate attacks in Danja Local Government Area of Katsina State. They were later taken to the dense forests of Birnin Gwari. Among the captives were a 65-year-old man, the oldest in the group, and an infant less than a year old who was abducted along with its mother three months ago.
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), attributed the success of the operation to effective intelligence and collaboration between various security agencies and local communities.
Victims recounted harrowing experiences. One, who spent over a year in captivity, described the ordeal: ”I never thought I would regain freedom, I had already given up.
“I was abducted in August last year and spent a year and two months in captivity. Therefore, thanks be to Almighty Allah, thanks to the government.
“Life in captivity was distasteful. We fed on raw maize, maize combs and wild fruits. We were given a day’s ration to be eaten for two days. I’m so eager to be reunited with my family, ” he said.
Another female rescued victim, who remained anonymous, said she was full of joy because she never thought she would be free again.
She said: “They attacked us at home and abducted me and two children. I left my husband in a pool of blood because the terrorists shot his leg.
“Life in captivity was bad, we never envisaged we would return home. This was because anytime our relatives called, the terrorists would be calling humongous figures in Naira which your entire relations cannot raise, to pay the ransom,” she said.
