Rescued Kaduna Abduction Survivors Share Harrowing Ordeal of Survival on Raw Flour

Survivors of a large-scale kidnapping incident in Kurmin Wali village, located in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have detailed the severe hardships they experienced while held captive. The group, comprising 183 individuals initially abducted during church services on January 26th, recounted their ordeal.

After 11 individuals were released early on and hospitalised, and a further 83 regained freedom some days later, the remaining 89 captives were successfully rescued on Wednesday, February 4th.

Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Thursday, February 5th, the rescued individuals described how they subsisted on uncooked flour mixed with water and spent their nights exposed to the elements in the forest for weeks.

A female survivor, who opted to remain anonymous and was accompanied by her infant, stated that their captors provided food only four times during their captivity.

“We were given raw corn flour just four times. We had to mix it with water to have something in our stomachs. We slept outside, and the wind sometimes offered relief by keeping mosquitoes away,” she explained.

She further disclosed that their mobile phones were confiscated, and they lived under constant threat from their captors.

“My most distressing moment was witnessing them flog my husband and the other men. We cried and feared for their lives, but I am profoundly thankful that we were all rescued alive,” she added, expressing immense relief.

Another survivor, a man who also requested anonymity, expressed his gratitude towards the Kaduna State Government, the military, and other security agencies for facilitating their liberation.

“We endured immense suffering in captivity, but it brings comfort that the government has pledged to enhance security presence, improve roads, and develop other infrastructure in our community,” he remarked.