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Resilience and Faith: A Nurse's Journey from Captivity to Freedom

A harrowing yet inspiring tale of survival emerges as a Nigerian nurse recounts her escape from Boko Haram after six years in captivity.

By Apoorva Mandavilli and Ruth MacleanSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Resilience and Faith: A Nurse's Journey from Captivity to Freedom
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

Alice Loksha Ngaddah, kidnapped in 2018, illustrates the power of faith and courage as she details her daring breakout against grim odds.

Alice Loksha Ngaddah's extraordinary escape from Boko Haram marks a testament to resilience and the undying spirit of survival. Abducted in 2018 while working as a nurse for UNICEF in a conflict-ridden region of northeastern Nigeria, her harrowing experience sheds light on the plight of abductees and the impact of faith during dire circumstances.After enduring over six years of captivity, during which she gave birth to her son, Loksha found her opportunity to flee in October. An escape plan was set in motion alongside another abductee, Fayina Ali Akilawus. Under the cover of dusk, they absconded from the militants’ camp, navigating treacherous terrains via donkey, ox cart, boat, and car over three arduous days. Their journey culminated at a military outpost, where their elation was palpable as they expressed their gratitude with shouts of “We are really saved!”When Loksha was initially taken captive, her life was irreversibly altered. One of the highest-profile victims of Boko Haram's abductions, she risked her safety to provide essential medical assistance in Rann—a region often besieged by violence. The brutal attack that led to her kidnapping began while she was seeking internet access at a military base; an ambush ensued, compelling her to the ground for survival amidst chaos and death.Loksha's story resonates in a world frequently plagued by violence, showcasing the undying spirit of individuals confronting unimaginable challenges. Her unyielding faith became her anchor, guiding her through grim shadows of despair. Today, as she embraces her newfound freedom, her narrative not only shines a light on the horrors of conflict but also serves as a beacon of hope for others still trapped in darkness.

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