We Thought We'd Die There” – Bishop Kukah’s Brother Breaks Silence After Terrifying Kidnapping Ordeal

Ishaya Kukah, the younger brother of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah, has spoken out about his terrifying experience in captivity after being kidnapped by armed men in Kaduna State. Abducted on March 5, 2025, from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area alongside six others, Ishaya was among 60 victims recently rescued by Nigerian security forces.

The rescue, carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division, was hailed as a significant success. The victims—35 men and 25 women—were freed following a coordinated effort involving multiple security and intelligence agencies in Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory.

At a formal handover in Abuja, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar received the victims. Among them, Ishaya Kukah emotionally recounted the nightmare he endured. According to him, their captors subjected them to intense torture, starvation, and mental distress.

"I gave up hope many times. The suffering was unbearable. We were constantly beaten and pressured into making calls for ransom. It was hell," Ishaya said, holding back tears.

He praised the military and federal government for their swift response and efforts to ensure their safe return. "If not for their rescue, I don’t think I would be here today," he added.

Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, credited the success to the ongoing nationwide crackdown on kidnappers and terrorist networks under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

NSA Ribadu reiterated the government's commitment to ending insecurity but warned that the payment of ransom only emboldens criminals.

“We are appealing to Nigerians—stop giving money to kidnappers. You’re feeding the problem. Trust the government to do the job. We’re getting better at this, and we will win,” Ribadu stated.

This rescue has rekindled hope in many, but Ishaya’s haunting words remain a chilling reminder of the harsh reality many Nigerians face daily in the hands of kidnappers.

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