By Ahmed Liman kingimi Borno State, Nigeria
In a moving ceremony held today in Borno State, two sisters, Miss Alice Laksha and Miss Vena, who managed to escape from terrorist captivity, were officially handed over to the Borno State Government by the Joint Task Force.
The emotional event marked the end of a harrowing ordeal for the women who spent several years in captivity under the control of terrorists.
Miss Alice Laksha, a 42-year-old native of Borno State, endured six years of captivity after being abducted alongside two other female staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross in March 2018.
Forced into marriage with a terrorist leader named Abuumar and later another marriage after his elimination in 2022, Alice finally found the courage to escape from her captors on October 24, 2024. She bravely reported her ordeal to the Joint Task Force on October 29, 2024.
Miss Vena, the younger sister of the late Corporal Samuel Andrew of the Nigerian Army, was abducted on October 19, 2022, while processing her brother’s death benefits. She spent four years in captivity under the control of terrorist leader Muhammad Sheikh before being rescued by the Joint Task Force.
The Joint Task Force, under the leadership of Major General W Shabu, reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and normalcy in the Northeast region. The successful rescue of the two sisters serves as a beacon of hope for others still in captivity and a testament to the unwavering dedication of the military forces.
In a statement delivered by the Commissioner of Women Affairs on behalf of Governor Professor Umara, the Borno State Government welcomed the return of Alice and Vena with open arms. The government pledged to provide the necessary support for the sisters’ rehabilitation and integration back into society, including mental health services, welfare assistance, and assistance in reuniting with their families.
The ceremony concluded with a call for peace and reconciliation, urging other individuals still in captivity to follow the example of Alice and Vena and surrender to receive amnesty and support for their reintegration into society.
The heartwarming reunion between the two sisters and the Borno State Government symbolizes a new beginning for them and serves as a beacon of hope for others who may still be held captive. The collaborative efforts of the military and government authorities demonstrate a unified commitment to bringing peace and stability to the region.
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