A 42-year old nurse, Alice Loksha, who was abducted by Boko Haram sometime in March 2018 while working at UNICEF Office in Rann town of Kaka Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, has escaped from terrorist’s captivity in Sambisa Forest after six years.
The Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, JTF North East Theater Command Headquarters, Maximal Cantonment Maiduguri, Major General Wahidi Shaibu disclosed this to journalists Friday evening at the 7 Division Sports Center Maiduguri.
He added another abducted woman, Fayima Ali, who was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on October 19, 2020, while traveling from Kaduna to process her late brother’s death benefits also escaped the captivity of the insurgents.
According to him, both Alice and Fayina were forced into marriage with the insurgents while during the captivity of the Boko Haram insurgents and both women have undergone medical and traumatic experiences showing remarkable resilience in the face unprecedented difficulties.
While presenting the rescued persons to the Borno State Government for onward rehabilitation and reintegration with their families and relations, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Chigbu on behalf of the Theater Commander, said: “Alice was forced to marry Abu Umar, with whom she had a son, Mohammed.
“After Abu Umar’s death, she was forced into another marriage to ISWAP Commander Abu Simak before she was able to escape from Dogon Chuku camp on October 24, 2024, and arrived at HQ TC on October 29, 2024 where she received medical attention.
“Alice, a 42-year-old nurse hails from Hawul LGA of Borno State,” Kenneth added
He further said,” Fayina was initially held at Kangaruwa enclave for nine months, then transferred to Tumbunma for three years, and returned to Kangaruwa for another year before escaping.
“The rescued persons were received on behalf of the Borno State Government by the Borno State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo,” Kenneth said.
The commissioner thanked and commended the Nigerian Army for rescuing the girls and its efforts in restoring peace in the state and North-East region and the country at large.
She assured the military that the two women would receive the usual intensive care and rehabilitation from the Borno state.
“The women will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being handed over to their families for integration,” Zuwaira said.
