Residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State who recently regained their freedom after spending three months in captivity have recounted their harrowing experiences in the hands of terrorists.
In separate interviews with the reuters in Pulka on Monday, the victims spoke about the harsh conditions they endured, including hunger, inadequate shelter, limited access to water, and the deaths of children while in captivity.
The reuters had reported that about 360 victims were among the 416 residents, mostly women and children, abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe on March 4, 2026.
The victims said they survived largely on guinea corn throughout their stay in captivity.
One of the freed captives, Halima Musa, said the women were responsible for preparing meals supplied by their captors.
According to her, the captives slept on bare floors on a mountain and had limited access to water.
She added that six children died during the period of captivity.
βWhile in captivity, we lost six children two boys and four girls. They died after falling sick,β she said.
Another captive, who asked not to be named, claimed the terrorists appeared to operate a food distribution network.