After six Long Years of dashed hope, 42-year-old nurse, Alice Loksha, who had been held captive by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State,in 2018 finally gained freedom.
Addressing Media men in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Friday, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, North-East, Major General Wahdi Shuaibu, disclosed that Alice was held hostage while serving at a UNICEF Office in Kala Balge.
The Lieutenant, who was represented by his deputy, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Chigbu, revealed that another abducted woman, Fayina Ali, who was captured by Boko Haram insurgents in 2020 while returning from Kaduna to process her late brother’s death benefits , has also regained freedom.
He disclosed that both abductees were coerced into marrying insurgents during captivity; Fayina was given to Abu Umar, with whom she had a child named Mohammed.
“After Abu Umar’s death, she was forced into another marriage to ISWAP Commander Abu Simak. She later escaped from Dogon Chuku camp on October 24, 2024, and arrived at HQ TC on October 29, 2024, where she received medical attention” he added.
“Fayina was initially held at Kangaruwa enclave for nine months, then transferred to Tumbunma for three years, and returned to Kangaruwa for another year before escaping,” The commander stressed.
He added, “Both women have undergone traumatic experiences and have shown
remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.”
Representing the Borno State Government, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs Zuwaira Gambo warmly received the rescued abductees, expressing deep appreciation for the Nigerian Army’s peace-restoration endeavors in the Northeast region especially in Borno State.
She guaranteed that the two women would receive extensive care.
“The woman will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being handed over to their families for integration,” Gambo said.
Boko Haram’s persistent and ruthless insurgency has unleashed unparalleled devastation across Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern regions and neighboring countries, leaving an indelible scar of destruction, displacement, and death.
Eniola Jolaoso