Residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State who recently regained freedom after nearly three months in captivity have recounted the harsh conditions they endured while held by terrorists.
According to a report by The PUNCH, the survivors spoke in Pulka on Monday, describing their ordeal as one marked by hunger, poor shelter, inadequate sleeping conditions and limited access to clean water. They also disclosed that some children died during the period of captivity.
The victims were among hundreds abducted during an attack on Ngoshe on March 4, 2026. Reports indicated that about 416 residents, mostly women and children, were taken away, while around 360 were eventually rescued and reunited with their families.
The freed captives said food was scarce throughout their detention, adding that they survived mainly on small quantities of guinea corn supplied by their captors.
Some of the survivors also questioned events that preceded their release, alleging that several newly purchased bags suspected to contain money or other items were taken to the terrorists’ hideout days before they were freed.
One of the victims, Aishat, said, “They never told us whether they had been paid anything, but before we came out, we saw them bringing about eight or nine new Ghana-Must-Go bags up the mountain on motorcycles.
“I didn’t see what was inside, but it was the first time I had seen such bags there.”
Aishat added that the women were separated from the men and were not physically molested, although conditions in the camp remained extremely difficult for all the captives.
