Ishaya Kuka, brother to the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah, on Tuesday, April 8, recounted his harrowing experience in the kidnappers’ den.
LIB reported that gunmen abducted Ishaya Kuka and six others in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State on March 5, 2025.
Kuka was among the 60 kidnapped victims rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division and received by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, in Abuja.
The Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims, comprising 35 males and 25 females—were rescued on April 7 in a joint operation involving various security and intelligence agencies across Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking shortly after the formal reception, he said he endured unbearable suffering and torture at the hands of the bandits.
According to him, he had almost given up hope of freedom before he was rescued.
“Frankly speaking, I had already given up. I didn’t think I would come out alive because of how they were treating us in the bush. We suffered too much. They used to chain us in twos. If you wanted to defecate or urinate, you had to move together,” he said.
He described how victims were pressured into agreeing to ransom demands due to the torture they endured.
“They beat you so badly that you’re forced to say you’ll give money. If they notice you’re reluctant, they’ll beat or even kill you.”
He expressed gratitude to the government for his rescue.
“If not for the Federal Government, we would still be in the bush. Thank you for what you have done. God bless you.”
While receiving the rescued victims, the NSA, Ribadu, said the operation was a result of ongoing military efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
