In brief
In a harrowing tale of resilience and faith, nurse Alice Loksha Ngaddah recounts her escape from Boko Haram captors after enduring six years of captivity in Nigeria.
In late 2018, Alice Loksha Ngaddah, a dedicated nurse, found herself caught in the crossfire of violence when she was kidnapped by a faction of Boko Haram while working in a troubled region of Nigeria. For six agonizing years, she endured the trauma of captivity, mourning the loss of her previous life and the safety of her two children. In October, her long-awaited moment of freedom arrived when she executed a daring escape alongside her child and a fellow captor, Fayina Ali Akilawus.Fleeing under the cloak of night from their oppressors, the trio navigated treacherous terrain using various modes of transport—donkeys, ox carts, and boats—over a three-day journey. Each step they took was a testament to their bravery and unyielding faith, culminating in a powerful expression of gratitude as they neared a military outpost. "We are really saved," Loksha exclaimed, reflecting on the overwhelming relief of reaching safety.Before her abduction, Loksha was a prominent nurse working for UNICEF in Rann, Nigeria. She took the position to financially support her family, particularly her mother suffering from dementia, despite the perilous conditions surrounding her workplace. The nightmare began when gunfire erupted during a visit to a military base for Wi-Fi access, leading to a chaotic invasion by armed militants that forever altered her life.Her story shines a light on the resilience of individuals faced with unimaginable circumstances and the unwavering hope that guided her to safety amidst the horrors of Boko Haram.
