A resident of Gadanaji community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who spent 52 days in bandits’ captivity, identified herself as Micah, has recounted how he and other abductees survived on corn grain, endured prolonged hunger and suffered brutal beatings that left some victims bleeding from their noses and ears.
Micah, who regained freedom alongside seven other abductees after weeks in captivity, said they were starved, tortured and forced to endure inhumane conditions while their families negotiated for their release.
“We spent days without food. Sometimes they gave us corn grain to prepare local swallow and soup. At times, we spent three to four days without food and survived only on dirty water,” he said.
Micah was among 11 residents abducted when armed men attacked Gadanaji community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on April 9. One of the victims was killed during the attack, while two others are still being held by their captors.
He said life inside the forest camp was harsh and dehumanising, as captives were kept in makeshift shelters constructed deep within the forest and exposed to harsh weather conditions.
“The shelters were made with bamboo under thick trees and had no proper roofing. Whenever it rained, the rain beat directly on us, including women and children, and everyone got soaked because there was no protection over our heads,” he said.
According to him, both men and women were subjected to severe treatment, with adult captives often chained for long periods while children were spared restraint.
Micah further disclosed that there was no medical care for sick captives, as the bandits showed no concern for their wellbeing.
“If anybody fell sick, they would ask why the person was still alive and whether they should kill him. There was no medication or treatment of any kind,” he said.
The victim also narrated how captives were routinely beaten before ransom negotiations, forcing them to cry out while speaking to their families on the phone.
“They beat us thoroughly with sticks. Sometimes four or five of them would descend on one person. Blood would flow from the head, nose and ears before they allowed us to speak to our people,” he said.
Micah, a former youth leader in his community, said he was repeatedly told by his abductors that he was their primary target and that he would not leave the camp alive.
“They said I was their target and that they were instructed to come for me. They told me I would not return home alive,” he said.
He, however, said he was never informed of any offence that warranted his abduction.
“I don’t know what I did. They never explained anything to me,” he added.
Despite the ordeal, Micah said faith and silent prayers sustained many of the captives throughout their time in detention.
“We prayed mostly in our hearts. It was only God that kept us alive,” he said.
“Many times they told me I would never return home, but by God’s grace, I am back with my family,” he said.
The ordeal, according to him, underscores the urgent need for government at all levels to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity, strengthen surveillance in vulnerable communities, and ensure that citizens are adequately protected from recurring attacks and abductions.
