Boko Haram Survivor Recounts Four Years in Captivity, Dramatic Escape
A Boko Haram survivor, Fayina Akilawus, has shared a harrowing account of her years in captivity and how she eventually escaped from the insurgents’ camp after multiple failed attempts.
Speaking with Arise News, Fayina revealed that Boko Haram fighters repeatedly pressured her and other Christian captives to renounce their faith and convert to Islam. Those who refused, she said, were punished by being forced into slavery.
According to her, captives who declined conversion were assigned domestic labour, including fetching water, gathering firewood, and serving in the homes of insurgent leaders. She explained that Boko Haram members regularly visited them to preach, insisting that joining their religion would “make them better people.”
Fayina said the pressure intensified after nine months, when the captives were separated and distributed to different households as slaves.
She recalled her first escape attempt shortly after arriving at the camp. Together with another captive, she walked through the night hoping to find safety. However, they mistakenly approached a settlement they believed belonged to herders, only to discover it was occupied by Boko Haram families. Their unfamiliar appearance raised suspicion, leading to their capture.
She said they were beaten severely and forced to walk back to the camp.
Despite spending four years in captivity, Fayina did not give up hope. She said her successful escape came on her fifth attempt, aided by a Fulani woman who sold local drinks near the camp.
Initially, the woman refused to help out of fear for her life, but Fayina persisted until she finally agreed and assisted her escape.
Reflecting on her survival, Fayina said her faith and prayers kept her going throughout her ordeal.
Boko Haram has carried out violent attacks across northern Nigeria for more than a decade, leaving thousands dead and forcing many others to flee their homes.
