In brief
After six years in captivity, nurse Alice Loksha Ngaddah escapes from Boko Haram, sharing her journey of resilience, faith, and the hopes of mothers everywhere.
Alice Loksha Ngaddah, a dedicated nurse and mother of two, endured an agonizing six years in the grasp of Boko Haram's splinter group after her abduction in Nigeria in 2018. Her heartbreaking journey started on a fateful day when she, along with other humanitarian workers, sought to connect with their families at a military base in Rann. As gunfire erupted, chaos ensued, and they were taken captive by the militants.In October, with unwavering resolve and alongside her three-year-old son, whom she had given birth to during captivity, Ngaddah seized a chance to escape with fellow inmate Fayina Ali Akilawus. They emboldened themselves with prayers and stealthily left their captors’ camp under the cloak of night. Over the course of three grueling days, they traversed difficult terrains through various means of transport, including donkey, ox cart, and boats, seeking safety.Upon reaching a military outpost, Ngaddah's relief was palpable as she and Akilawus joyfully proclaimed their deliverance. Through her harrowing experience, she spoke of the trials faced by numerous victims of Boko Haram, underscoring the importance of faith and determination in overcoming adversity. "We are really saved," she recounted, her spirit undeterred by the nightmares that had plagued her for years.Ngaddah's story serves as a poignant reminder of the plight faced by many in conflict zones and the courage it takes to seek freedom against terrifying odds. Her escape not only highlights the resilience of those affected by terrorism but also amplifies the urgent need for international support and intervention in combating extremist violence in Nigeria and beyond.
