Paragraph 1: The Escape and Reunion
In a heartwarming tale of resilience and survival, two young boys, Ayuba Ishaku and Yakubu Haruna, both 13 years old, managed to escape the clutches of Boko Haram after four agonizing years of captivity. Their ordeal began in 2019 when the terrorist group raided their village, Mandaragrau, in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. Along with other women and children, they were abducted and transported to a remote location in Kukawa LGA, where they endured unimaginable hardship. However, their spirit remained unbroken, and on the night of July 8, 2025, seizing a rare opportunity when most of their captors were away on an operation, the boys bravely embarked on a perilous journey to freedom.
Paragraph 2: A Perilous Journey to Freedom
Navigating through the dense bush, relying on their instincts and sheer determination, Ayuba and Yakubu made their way towards nearby villages and communities. Their journey, spanning four days, was fraught with danger and uncertainty. They faced the constant threat of recapture, the harsh elements of nature, and the gnawing pangs of hunger. Yet, fueled by the hope of reunion with their families, they persevered, eventually reaching Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on July 12, 2025. Their arrival at the ITE Divisional Police Headquarters marked the end of their captivity and the beginning of their journey back to normalcy.
Paragraph 3: From Captivity to Care: The Role of the Police
Upon their arrival at the police station, Ayuba and Yakubu were immediately taken into protective custody. The officers at the ITE Division, recognizing the trauma they had endured, provided them with much-needed care, support, and a safe haven. Under the direction of Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, efforts were initiated to locate and contact their families. The boys’ accounts of their abduction and captivity provided crucial details, helping the police piece together the events that led to their ordeal and ultimately facilitated their reunion with their loved ones.
Paragraph 4: Reconnecting with Family: A Moment of Joy and Relief
The police’s efforts to trace the boys’ families bore fruit when they identified and contacted Mr. Ishaku Gaji, Ayuba Ishaku’s father. Mr. Gaji confirmed the boys’ abduction, which had occurred on December 29, 2019, along with several other women and children from their village. The news of their escape and safe arrival in Maiduguri brought immense joy and relief to their families, who had long awaited their return. The reunion was undoubtedly an emotional moment, marking the end of years of agonizing uncertainty and marking the beginning of a healing process for both the boys and their families.
Paragraph 5: Life Under Boko Haram: A Glimpse into the Boys’ Ordeal
During their captivity, Ayuba and Yakubu were forced to serve as domestic aides to the terrorists, performing menial tasks and enduring harsh treatment. They were also subjected to training on how to handle firearms, a chilling testament to the brutal methods employed by Boko Haram to indoctrinate children into their ranks. Despite the hardships they faced, the boys never lost hope of escaping. They meticulously planned their escape for months, patiently waiting for the right opportunity to arise. Their resilience and unwavering determination ultimately paved the way for their freedom.
Paragraph 6: A Testament to Hope and Resilience
The story of Ayuba and Yakubu’s escape is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and hope even in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their ordeal highlights the devastating impact of Boko Haram’s insurgency on communities and families in northeastern Nigeria. The boys’ safe return also underscores the importance of continued efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of all citizens. Their story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure and ultimately triumph.
