The parents of the remaining Federal University Gusau students who were kidnapped in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria, have recounted their pain and their restless nights since their children were abducted.
Families like those of Mallam Hafizu Jammo, the father of one of the victims, Rukayya Hafizu Jammo, have been affected by the general anxiety and uncertainty.
“We are deeply concerned, but we remain hopeful that all the students and workers will return, especially since some have already come back,” Jammo said.
The incident started on September 22 when terrorists kidnapped over 30 Federal University Gusau students and employees in the middle of the night.
The students who lived off-campus were evacuated into forests after the terrorists stormed into their homes. Social media users have been sharing a video of the school where the students were abducted that shows shattered doors and windows.
A total of 18 people have been saved after gunfire with the Nigerian military, but the remaining captives, including Rukayya Hafizu Jammo, are still held captive and their families are in distress.
“Since her cousin at the school informed us about the incident, there has been no word from her or the abductors,” Mallam Jammo lamented.
Another victimised parent, who wished to remain anonymous, pleaded with the police to guarantee the children’s safe return.
“My home is now a place of mourning, filled with anxious souls,” he said. “We want them back; that’s all we yearn for,” he added.
The students were scattered and are now gradually making their way home in groups, according to a source in the state government who spoke to newsmen. The source said that the authorities believe the abductors encountered strong resistance.
“The victims are no longer with the abductors,” the source said. “The terrorists have been outmatched, causing some of the abductors to flee, rendering them unable to make contact,” the source elaborated.
He claims that efforts are still being made to free the remaining hostages and that precautions have been taken to cut off any possible escape routes for the terrorists from Zamfara.
A flood of requests for the victims’ quick rescue on social media platforms highlights the level of public concern and sympathy for those who are suffering.
These incidences have increased dramatically in the northern region of the country since Boko Haram abducted 276 Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, which was a horrific incident.
317 students from the Government Science Secondary School, Jengebe, in Zamfara State were kidnapped. After negotiations, the students were freed, and according to the state authorities, no ransom was paid.