Ishaya Kuka, brother of Catholic Bishop Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah, recently shared his heartbreaking account of a 32-day nightmare at the hands of kidnappers. Speaking in Abuja after being freed by the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division, Kuka recounted the unbearable suffering he and others endured while in captivity, stating that at one point, he had completely lost hope of survival.
Kuka was among 60 victims rescued by the Nigerian Army, in a joint operation that involved various security agencies. The rescued group, which included 35 men and 25 women, was warmly received by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar.
Recalling the harrowing experience, Kuka said, “I thought I wouldn’t survive. We were shackled together in pairs, and even the most basic needs, like going to the bathroom, were impossible without the other person. We were treated like animals.” The victims were subjected to constant abuse and brutality, which the captors used to force them into agreeing to ransom demands.
“They beat you mercilessly until you promised to pay money. If you hesitated, they would threaten to kill you,” Kuka explained. Despite the overwhelming torture, Kuka expressed his deep gratitude toward the Nigerian government for orchestrating their release. “If not for the Federal Government, we would still be stuck in the bush. I’m thankful for everything they did to get us out. God bless them,” he said.
Another victim, Adesanya Michael, a Deputy Director at the National Assembly Commission, also shared his painful story. Abducted from his home in Kubwa, Abuja, Michael spent more than a month chained to his captors. He pointed out that many of the bandits responsible for the abductions were young, illiterate individuals. “Most of them are just kids who can’t even count up to a million. They don’t know what they’re doing. Instead of killing them, we should focus on arresting, educating, and rehabilitating them. Many of them want to learn a trade and can still contribute positively to society,” Michael said.
Michael’s story took a tragic turn when he revealed that the bandits killed his wife in front of him. “When they kill someone right in front of you, you’ll do anything they ask. If they had asked for my life, I would have given it,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.
During the formal reception of the victims, NSA Ribadu addressed the public, stating that the successful operation was part of the ongoing military efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. “We are working tirelessly to restore security and stability across the country,” Ribadu assured, emphasizing that these criminals will be brought to justice.
Ribadu also made a passionate plea to Nigerians, urging them not to pay ransoms to kidnappers. “Paying ransom is one of the worst things you can do. It only fuels the problem and encourages more kidnappings,” Ribadu warned. He stressed that families should not negotiate with criminals, as it only perpetuates the cycle of violence. “Please, stop giving money to these criminals. We need your help to break this cycle,” he urged the public.
The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, reinforced the government’s commitment to ending insecurity in the country. “We are determined to eradicate this menace. With the continued coordination of the NSA and our security services, we will defeat these criminals,” Abubakar vowed, calling on citizens to report any useful information that may aid security forces.
The 60 rescued victims were freed on April 7, after a combined effort from several security agencies in Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory. Their stories of survival serve as a stark reminder of the widespread threat of banditry in Nigeria and the urgent need for collective action to restore peace and security.
The Nigerian government remains committed to bringing justice to those behind these crimes and preventing future kidnappings, while urging citizens to support the efforts to rid the country of banditry.
