October 12, (THEWILL) – Fifteen hostages abducted by Boko Haram have escaped, walking six days through the bush to freedom after months in captivity.
The hostages, six women and nine children, were kidnapped separately from the farming villages of Takulashi in Borno state’s Chibok district and Cofure in neighbouring Adamawa’s Hong district several months ago.
A statement by Bormo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Zuwaira Gambo, said that three of the hostages along with their children (5) were seized during a raid on Takulashi in October last year, while the other three with their four children were abducted from Cofure in May.
Gambo explained that the hostages, including an eight-month pregnant woman from Cofure, “trekked for six days” from Buni Yadi forest in nearby Yobe state to Damboa town in Borno, a distance of around 90 kilometres (56 miles).
“They have displayed resilience, trekking in the bush for six days,” Gambo said while presenting the escaped hostages to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Christian leaders.
Zulum expressed delight at receiving the hostages after they “fell prey to Boko Haram terrorists.
“We thank God Almighty for rescuing and protecting you from the hands of terrorists,” he said
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