In brief
Alice Loksha Ngaddah, a nurse taken hostage by Boko Haram, reveals how faith and determination enabled her escape after six long years of captivity, emphasizing hope for others in similar situations.
Alice Loksha Ngaddah's story begins in March 2018, when she was working in Rann, Nigeria, as an aid worker for UNICEF. While seeking Wi-Fi access at a military base alongside colleagues, the base was assaulted by members of Boko Haram, and in the chaos, she and other aid workers were captured. Ngaddah, who was already a mother of two, would later give birth to a son while in captivity, enduring unimaginable conditions and the constant threat of violence.For over six years, she remained a prisoner of a Boko Haram splinter group, living day-to-day in fear. The turning point came in October when Ngaddah, her three-year-old son, and another captive, Fayina Ali Akilawus, seized a fleeting opportunity to escape. Under the cover of darkness, they stealthily fled the militants' camp.The journey to freedom was fraught with peril. The trio utilized various means of transportation—including donkey, ox cart, boat, and car—traversing the treacherous terrain for three days. As they drew closer to a military outpost, overwhelmed with relief, Ngaddah and Akilawus erupted with praises to Jesus, expressing their joy in being free.Ngaddah's tale of resilience sheds light on the relentless impact of Boko Haram, which has kidnapped thousands in the region, often targeting those who aid others. Her bravery not only highlights her escape but also brings forth a message of hope for countless others still trapped in similar dire circumstances.
