Parents of the 121 kidnapped students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna wept profusely following the release of the 28 abductees having spent 20 days in abductors’ den.
The parents, who could not control their emotions, as they were reunited with their frail and sick- looking children, said the last 20 days were traumatic for their respective families.
One of them Mrs. Esther Joseph, who thought her only child was not among the 28 freed students, fainted severally but was resuscitated by well- wishers.
Bandits invaded the school on July 5, 2021 and abducted 121 students.
Six of the students were released in three batches before the current release.
The newly released students, who were of varying ages across different classes from JSS 1 to SSS 3, were looking frail.
Some were limping and could walk only with the support of their joyous parents.
Narrating his traumatic experience during his daughter’s stay in captivity, Mr. Danboyi Bege, said he almost lost his life.
He said he was not sure whether his daughter was going to return alive.
He said her daughter, Louis, was kidnapped the day she was to start her NECO examinations, adding that she spent her 16th birthday with the bandits.
Bege said: “When they were abducted several thoughts went through my mind because thousands have gone and they killed them in the bush.
“I was just living by the grace of God. One that usually keeps me awake in the night is whenever I think of where she is, which bush she was being kept now. I won’t be able to sleep. But glory to God she is back.”
Another parent, Hosea Garba Maisamari said: “It has not been easy since we received the report, even for a day.
“The issue of ransom it is only the school management that can answer that but for us God has done it. He would continue his education in the school because this thing (kidnapping) happen everywhere even in the house. Government should take precaution and address the issue.”
A parent ,Danladi Badi was very happy after receiving his daughter, Ruth.
He said: “I want to thank God because the only word on my lips now is gratitude to God who did it. Ruth was born April 8 2009 she is in JSS3. We are praying to God to grant us the release of the remaining students.”
Ndas Adamu received his son, Destiny, said: “I am feeling very happy, feeling like a complete father after receiving my son. He is 10 years old. While he was away, I always prayed to God to because I believe he would live up to his name.
“I don’t know the process of their release maybe ransom was paid or not but I believe God did His wonders.
“The God that has started the work will complete it to ensure the release of the remaining students. Our prayer would continue without ceasing, He owned all of us including the kidnappers.”
Fatimah Oyesanmi
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