A woman abducted from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State has regained her freedom after 180 days in captivity with her two surviving daughters.
The woman, who was pregnant when she was abducted alongside her four-year-old daughter, Christy, and two other daughters aged six and 12, escaped from the kidnappers’ den on Saturday. She later lost her newborn baby, who reportedly died about three weeks after she gave birth in captivity.
According to a statement issued on Monday by security analyst and former governorship aide, Reuben Buhari, the woman and her daughters began their journey out of captivity on Saturday.
However, Christy was reportedly seriously ill when they escaped, suffering from swollen eyes and legs and an inability to walk.
“Her mother carried her on her back, but when she became tired, the 12-year-old sister took over the burden,” Buhari said.
He added that the mother and her daughters, despite being weak and barefoot, continued walking until nightfall, forcing them to spend the night in the bush.
Despite her death, the family continued their journey, carrying the child’s body on their backs and taking turns whenever one of them became too weak to continue.
At one point, the mother reportedly became extremely weak, leaving the 12-year-old to carry the body of her four-year-old sister until they eventually reached a village in Kachia LGA on Sunday afternoon.
“Residents reportedly found the exhausted family and came to their aid before they were moved to another village, where they are currently receiving medical attention to stabilize their condition ahead of their transfer to Kaduna,” Buhari said in a statement shared on Facebook.
The woman and her daughters were among victims abducted from Ariko and surrounding communities who have spent months in captivity. Buhari said 33 Ariko victims, including 11 people abducted from Awon village, remain in captivity.
He expressed concern over the condition of those still being held, saying many of the victims were reportedly severely weakened and emaciated. Buhari appealed for prayers for the victims still in captivity and their families.
News Express
