HORROR IN ZAMFARA: Freed Corps Members Recount Harrowing Experiences in Kidnappers’ Den

Three out of the eight corps members kidnapped in Zamfara State have shared their harrowing experiences in captivity. The victims, who were freed after staying between two months and one year in the kidnappers’ den, recounted how they were tortured, fed with grasses, and drank flood water.

Speaking with Media Talk Africa in an interview facilitated by the Founder, Open Forum Care for Humanity Foundation, Matthew Koffi Okono, the freed corps members (one female and two males) narrated their traumatic experiences.

According to one of the victims, Solomon, the incident happened on August 17, 2023, along Gusau road, Zamfara State. "We thought it was a checkpoint, but unfortunately, the guys came out, some were wearing kaftans, some put on military camouflage and insignia. They were well armed, and they marshalled us out into the bush, including the driver," he said.

Solomon, who was singled out and taken to Kaduna, recounted how he was beaten, tortured, and forced to eat grass and drink flood water. "I was later chained and transported from Zamfara to Kaduna on a motorcycle through bush tracks. I was very sick; for three months, I couldn’t urinate or defecate, I thought I would die," he said.

Another victim, a lady, shared her experience, saying she stayed in captivity for two months. "I never believed that I could survive a day in the forest. For three weeks, there was nothing like food or water until it rained, we were drinking the flood water. So many of us fell sick," she said.

The victims thanked the governments and the NYSC for their interventions and pleaded to be employed in the civil service or have any other rewarding establishments.

"We want to passionately appeal to both the federal and the Akwa Ibom state government to grant us employment to assuage our trauma. They should have compassion on us having suffered so much for months in captivity; it won’t be nice that we will be staying idle at home, we want to be employed and have something to care for our families," they said.

The NYSC had paid the victims arrears of their monthly allowances and presented them with two options of either to continue with their service year or to start afresh. The victims chose to continue and have received their discharge certificates.

Timeline of Events:

• August 17, 2023: Corps members kidnapped along Gusau road, Zamfara State.
• August 22, 2024: Solomon, one of the victims, was rescued alive by the military.
• October 2023: The lady victim was rescued after staying in captivity for two months.
• NYSC paid victims arrears of their monthly allowances and presented them with two options of either to continue with their service year or to start afresh.

Victims’ Demands:

• Employment in the civil service or any other rewarding establishments.
• Compassion and understanding from the governments and the public.
• Support to care for their families.

Conclusion:

The experiences of the freed corps members are a testament to the dangers faced by Nigerians, particularly corps members, in the country. The government and relevant authorities must take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of corps members and all citizens. The victims’ demands for employment and compassion should be considered, and efforts should be made to provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives.