Rescued kidnap victims in Nigeria recount ordeal during 6 months of captivity

After six months in captivity, victims of a mass kipnapping in Nigeria’s Kwara state have been recounting their ordeal.

More than 100 people abducted from the Woro community were rescued by government forces earlier this month.

They are the lucky ones. Some women and children are still being held.

"All of them that are still in captivity now are 12; the young lady among them is only one, and the rest are women," says Amira Salihu, a kidnapping victim and health worker.

"They conclude to stay with them (their abductors). Some people conclude to stay with them and some, they forced them."

Not everyone survived the ordeal. Without adequate medical care, several babies died at birth. Others succumbed to the harsh conditions.

"We were told children, mostly about 13 of them, have died in captivity, 13 are still withheld there, forcefully withheld there," says Umar Bio Salihu, Village head of Woro Community.

At least 14 people were in critical condition when they were rescued and are now being treated in hospital.

Nigeria’s ministry of health said some are suffering from malnutrition and malaria.

Mass abductions and kidnappings for ransom are still a major security problem in Nigeria, particularly in the northwest and north-central areas.

Armed criminal groups, known locally as bandits, often raid villages, highways, and schools looking for victims to hold for ransom.