LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Mustapha Abubakar, one of the students abducted from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has bravely recounted his terrifying ordeal at the hands of his captors.
Abubakar’s account sheds light on the harrowing experiences endured by the abducted students.
In a report by BBC Hausa Service published online on Monday, Abubakar described how the kidnappers treated them as if they were “a herd of cows” grazing in the bush.
VONa reported that the abduction occurred on March 7, 2024, when bandits raided Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State, resulting in the abduction of 312 pupils and teachers.
Amidst the chaos, some students managed to escape, while others remained in captivity.
Abubakar revealed that during their captivity, they endured thirst and exhaustion, with some girls collapsing due to fatigue and lack of water.
READ ALSO: Bandits Kidnap About 100 Kaduna Pupils, Teachers
The bandits, he said, showed no mercy, forcing the students to trek through the bush, occasionally providing relief by allowing them to drink from a river.
However, despite facing tough situations during the journey, Abubakar seized an opportunity to escape.
He cunningly concealed himself in the bush, camouflaging among the shrubs until it was safe to escape.
Following his escape, Abubakar encountered an elderly man who assisted him in finding his way to safety, guiding him to a nearby community where he could access drinking water. After a long and risky journey, Abubakar finally reached Gayan, where he found refuge from his captors.
Abubakar’s escape sheds light on the perilous conditions faced by victims of kidnapping, highlighting the urgent need for increased security measures to protect vulnerable communities in kaduna As authorities continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining abducted students and teachers.