In brief
After enduring six years of captivity by Boko Haram, nurse Alice Loksha Ngaddah shares her incredible escape story, highlighting the faith and resilience that kept her alive.
Alice Loksha Ngaddah spent a grueling six years in captivity after her abduction by a Boko Haram splinter group in Nigeria. A dedicated nurse and humanitarian working in the conflict-ridden town of Rann, she was transformed from a caregiver to a hostage amidst the escalating violence in the region. In October, the chance for her escape finally emerged alongside her three-year-old son and another captive, Fayina Ali Akilawus. The trio journeyed through treacherous terrain for three days, relying on transport methods that included donkey, ox cart, and boat.As they approached the military outpost, their fears were replaced with exuberant shouts of gratitude, proclaiming their newfound freedom. This marked Ms. Loksha's first interview since being released, and she reflected on the power of faith that sustained her throughout her ordeal. Before her kidnapping, she was engaged in humanitarian work with UNICEF, motivated by the desire to provide for her ailing mother.Her story resonates deeply, as it represents the struggles faced by countless individuals affected by the conflict instigated by Boko Haram, a group infamous for its violent insurgencies and mass kidnappings. Loksha’s experience sheds light on the urgency for greater support for victims of such crises and highlights the emotional and psychological scars that linger even after freedom is attained.
