We Were Badly Beaten, I Didn’t Think I Would Come Out Alive
Ishaya Kukah, the brother to the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah, on Tuesday, April 8, narrated his heartbreaking ordeal in captivity.
It was reported that gunmen abducted Ishaya Kukah and six others in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State on March 5, 2025.
Kukah was among the 60 kidnapped victims rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division and received by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, in Abuja.
The Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims, comprising 35 males and 25 females—were rescued on April 7 in a joint operation involving various security and intelligence agencies across Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking shortly after the formal reception, he said he endured unbearable suffering and torture at the hands of the bandits.
According to him, he had almost given up hope of freedom before he was rescued.
“Frankly speaking, I had already given up. I didn’t think I would come out alive because of how they were treating us in the bush. We suffered too much. They used to chain us in twos. If you wanted to defecate or urinate, you had to move together,” he said.
He described how victims were pressured into agreeing to ransom demands due to the torture they endured.
“They beat you so badly that you’re forced to say you’ll give money. If they notice you’re reluctant, they’ll beat or even kill you.”
He expressed gratitude to the government for his rescue.
“If not for the Federal Government, we would still be in the bush. Thank you for what you have done. God bless you.”
While receiving the rescued victims, the NSA, Ribadu, said the operation was a result of ongoing military efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
“Daily, we are restoring order, security, and stability. We will not relent until these criminals are brought to justice,” Ribadu said.
He also urged families of kidnapped victims not to pay ransom, warning that it fuels the cycle of criminality.
“I want to also use the opportunity to talk to our people. Please, stop giving money to these people. It’s one of the worst things that is happening. It’s the most difficult thing we are facing. Many of these people, as you see them, their families have given money to these people.
“The more you give, the more you are compounding the problems for us. We have never given anybody a dime. We don’t. And we don’t want people to do so. Please, stop it .
“We are saying enough is enough. We will not be able to stop this thing quickly if people continue to give them money. I want to make a very strong appeal to all. It’s understandable. When someone of yours is in captivity, you will do whatever it takes for you to get him back. But this is counter-productive
“It is actually encouraging for it to continue. The whole essence is to get money. And if you continue to give them, you are actually saying go and do more and more,” Ribadu said.
He urged Nigerians to give the government a chance to tackle insecurity by not paying ransom to kidnappers.
“We are appealing to our people, to the country, to everybody, that please, let’s stop giving this money. Give us a chance for us to do the work. We will get it done.”
According to him, the government remains committed to ending banditry, emphasising that justice will be served.
