Students of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, have shared their experience in captivity.
Armed men had invaded the school on February 17, whisking staff and students into the forest after operating unchallenged for over two hours.
After meeting with Governor Abubakar Sani Bello at government house, Minna, on Saturday, the students narrated what they went through.
Twenty-year-old Abubakar Sidi, an SS3 student, said they were punished based on their parents’ occupation.
“We didn’t get food to eat till night the first day but they later fed us, and after feeding us they asked us about our parents’ occupation. ‘If you father is a policeman, come here.’ ‘If your father is a soldier, come here.’
“They beat us seriously but the beating was based on the occupation of our fathers. I wish I could die because the beating was too much. It was really tough in the forest.”
Mahmood Mohammed, another student, said he was delighted having the opportunity to reunite with his loved ones.
“I faced hell in captivity; it was not easy at all. I did not even know that I will come out again. I felt inside the bush and they didn’t take care of me… I am very happy because God has given me the opportunity to reunite with my loved ones.
“We are happy to see all the government officials who came out in their numbers to welcome us. This has shown to us the level of concern they have towards us while we were in the wilderness. My decision of going back to the school is in the hands of my parents, ” he said.
The girls among them could not hold back tears. Those who were approached cried without saying a word.
Some of the parents lamented that they were not allowed to speak with their children.
Mrs Elizabeth Jonathan, mother of an SS 2 student, said she didn’t sleep throughout the days her child spent in captivity.
“I haven’t spoken with him yet but I have been seeing him around and we have waved at each other. I thank God that he came out alive. My child won’t go back to that school again and he won’t attend boarding school again,” she said.
