Survivors of the recent mass abduction from a church in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru LGA, Kaduna State, have recounted weeks of terror, starvation, and brutality at the hands of bandits, including the flogging of crying children.
A total of 183 victims—mostly women and children—were formally received by Governor Uba Sani on Thursday after a coordinated rescue operation involving the state government, the NSA's office, and the DSS.
One survivor, speaking anonymously, described a harrowing six-day trek into the forest immediately after their capture. “We trekked from Kurmin Wali into the forest for six days,” the victim said in a trembling voice. “They kept us by a riverbank and fed us with pap made from maize.”
The conditions were inhumane: “We slept by the riverbank. Some of us did not take our bath for about two weeks,” the survivor added. Food and clean water were scarce, but the cruelty towards children was particularly distressing.
“They flogged us, including our children, especially whenever the children cried,” the victim revealed. “Sometimes the children cried out of hunger and fear.” Another survivor explained the pervasive fear: “We were always afraid. Once a child started crying, everyone became scared because we knew what would follow.”
One emotionally overwhelmed victim addressed Governor Sani directly, breaking down in tears: “We thought we were going to die there. We had lost hope completely.” The survivor hailed the governor as a lifeline: “You gave us hope when we had none. You are the father to the fatherless.” In a poignant moment, the victim prayed, “May God lift you from being governor to becoming president in the name of Jesus.”
Governor Sani reassured the victims of the government's commitment to their rehabilitation and security. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention, trauma counselling, and relief materials as they begin the long process of recovery.
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