‘They beat men, flogged children’ — Kaduna worshippers recount ordeal in captivity

Image of terrorists

Christian worshippers abducted from three churches in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State, have recounted harrowing experiences of hunger, beatings and strict confinement during their time in captivity.

The 172 freed worshippers, who were abducted on January 18 from three churches during Sunday services, spoke on Thursday when they were received by Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, at the government house.While 83 victims escaped captivity and returned home on Sunday, the remaining 89 hostages were released in the early hours of Thursday.Some of the victims who spoke to journalists said they were fed once or twice daily, mostly with pap made from maize powder.

One of them, a female who spoke to journalists, said they trekked for six days into the forest before settling at the bandits’ enclave near a river.

“They were giving us food once or twice a day. They give us pap made with maize powder, masa and sometimes bread,” she said.

“They bring drinking water for us from the nearby river where we camped.

“They prevented us from moving; even when you want to ease yourself, you must take permission, and they will escort you.

“They were beating the men; even children were being flogged because they said the crying children were disturbing them.

“It was a horrible experience; we thank God we returned safely.”

Most of the abducted worshippers were women and children, with ages ranging from two to 13 years. Some of the women were either nursing mothers or pregnant. Speaking while receiving the kidnapped victims, the governor expressed shock over the incident, noting that the attack occurred despite sustained efforts by his administration to improve security in the state.