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The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

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The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

By: Zagazola Makama

Mrs. Alice Loksha Nggatah, a UNICEF Humanitarian Staff/Nurse who escaped from the enclave of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) is now facing significant threats to her life despite regaining freedom.

Before she was abducted, Alice, was the wife of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel Airman, had spent over six years in captivity within ISWAP Camp. While in captivity, Her professional experience as a nurse, made an invaluable need to the terrorists.

Meanwhile and at the same time using her gift, utilised the worthy profession plan her escape taking along what has rendered her a major target to ISWAP as she reintegrates into civilian life.

From Captivity to Freedom

Alice was abducted in 2018 from Rann, Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, during an ISWAP attack while working with UNICEF. In captivity, her nursing skills were exploited by the terrorists, making her a prominent figure within the enclave. This as well after her ingenious escape, is being targeted by ISWAP poses a risk to her safety, where ISWAP deployed those lurking in the dark to track her down and eliminate her as a way of seeking retribution for the escape.

Her daring flight to freedom, facilitated by her initiative, took her through Diffa in Niger Republic and Geidam in Yobe State where she was rescued by the troops of Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai. Alongside her was Miss Fayina Ali Akilawus, another escapee abducted in 2020. Fayina, the sister of a fallen Nigerian Army soldier who was captured along the Maiduguri – Damaturu road and married off over three times to ISWAP Commanders. Very well, Fayina has been reunited with her family thanks to arrangements made by a humanitarian organization. Equally, Alice was not left out she took had been married off, with child and whom she escaped with, the joy of her life.

In a remarkable twist of events, Alice and Fayina credited the military’s psychological operations, particularly under the Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), for enabling their escape. Leaflets dropped by the military encouraging captives to flee or insurgents to surrender have significantly disrupted ISWAP’s stronghold and escape of their captives.

Life-Threatening Challenges

Alice expressed her fears of staying in Maiduguri or any part of northern Nigeria. Her prominence during captivity in providing medical services to the top insurgents and their wives and thereafter her escape with a three-year-old child born to ISWAP top Commander have made her a marked individual. ISWAP are unforgettable with vengeance on the would-be claims, Alice, stole what belongs to them. The child, named Mohammed, symbolizes a big loss to the terrorist group, which further heightens the risks Alice faces.

Alice Husband Rejected her after return

After escape, the joy of freedom was caught short. Alice’s husband, a NAF personnel, could not wait longer for his wife’s return. He got married to another woman who now takes care of her two children. Heartbreakingly,
despite learning of her husband’s remarriage, Alice attempted to go back to him but he rejected her, saying that she had already married an ISWAP and carrying his child. Again, despite this rejected Alice remains committed to her identity and struggle. However, her next steps will depend on consultations with her family as she navigates this life threatening challenges.

Alice Loksha Nggatah’s story sheds light on the complex realities faced by former captives, particularly as they faced victimisations on return by members of their families and the society. While her escape symbolizes resilience and courage, it also underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection and reintegration measures for individuals in similar circumstances. The question is, the PTSD syndrome and subsequent rehabilitation. Better yet, in exploitation of such victims, how far has security and intelligence agencies utilised the means to an end. The unique case of Alice, has much to offer too intelligence community to further execution of operations and enrich its database on BOKO HARAM and it’s vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, the unwavering support of Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Theater command Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian Airforce, and UNICEF provided to Alice as she
embarks on a new chapter of life, navigating the threats posed by her past role in captivity and striving for a future of safety and peace was very commendable.

The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

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Multiple Abduction Incidents in Kogi State, Several Victims Rescued, Search Ongoing

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Multiple Abduction Incidents in Kogi State, Several Victims Rescued, Search Ongoing

By: Zagazola Makama

Kogi State was rocked by two separate abduction incidents on April 19, resulting in several victims being rescued, while authorities continue to search for the remaining hostages and pursue the perpetrators.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that The first incident occurred at about 0830 hours when armed hoodlums forcefully stopped an Opel Space Commercial Bus traveling from Ilorin to Isanlu.

The assailants abducted seven occupants of the bus, taking them into the nearby bush. Security operatives were swiftly mobilized to the scene. After combing the surrounding area, they successfully rescued four of the abducted victims. However, the search for the remaining three continues.

The second abduction occurred later that day at approximately 1530 hours when Hon. Obinna Chidoka, a politician from Anambra State, vehicle, a Toyota Hilux was ambushed by armed hoodlums along Mamerebo Village on the Itobe-Anyingba Road. The assailants shot at the vehicle, injuring the driver, Ngozi Kingsley, who sustained a bullet wound to his left leg.

Despite the injury, Kingsley managed to escape to a nearby police station for assistance. He was rushed to the Royal Medical Centre for treatment following the attack.

At the scene of the attack, the police discovered a Toyota Hiace bus. The bus driver, identified as Ogwuebu George, informed authorities that he was traveling from Abuja to Umuahia, Abia State, when the hoodlums stopped his vehicle and abducted five of his passengers.

Another vehicle, a Passat Golf, was also intercepted by the attackers, who abducted the driver while four of the passengers were rescued.

The police recovered the two vehicles, the Toyota Hiace and the Passat Golf, and have secured them at the station for safekeeping. Efforts are underway to rescue the remaining victims, while a manhunt for the assailants has been launched.

Multiple Abduction Incidents in Kogi State, Several Victims Rescued, Search Ongoing

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Five Dead, 26 Injured in Lagos Building Collapse – Police sources

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Five Dead, 26 Injured in Lagos Building Collapse – Police sources

By Zagazola Makama

Five persons have been confirmed dead while 26 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following the collapse of a two-storey building under construction in the Ojodu area of Lagos State.

The incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Friday at No. 10 Oremeta Street, Ojodu, where the building, owned by Equal Right Company, caved in during ongoing construction work aimed at adding a third floor.

Police at the Lagos state command said that the building, which had remained under construction for several years, was being used as a restaurant on the ground floor, with staff and customers trapped at the time of the collapse.

Upon receipt of a distress call, the police said rescue efforts were swiftly activated as a combined team of conventional policemen, Police Tactical Teams, firefighters, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service, Red Cross, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) were mobilized to the scene.

“So far, 26 victims who sustained varying degrees of injuries have been rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment, while five persons were recovered dead,” the statement read.

Police said search and rescue operations are ongoing, as more victims may still be trapped under the debris.

aFive Dead, 26 Injured in Lagos Building Collapse – Police sources

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INTERNATIONAL GOLFERS ARRIVE DELTA STATE

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INTERNATIONAL GOLFERS ARRIVE DELTA STATE

· LATE OLARE-AJA OF KOKO GOLF TOURNAMENT BEGINS IN KOKO

· AKOGATE, COUNTRY CLUB UNVEIL ACTIVITIES FOR AGANBI MEMORIAL

By: Our Reporter

The Late Olare-Aja of Koko Golf Classic is due to begin on Friday, April 25, 2025 in Delta State.

The tournament scheduled from April 25-27 will be held at Country Club, Canaan Land.

‘’The invitational event is to celebrate the life and legacy of Deacon S. E. Aganbi, Second Republic Politician, Bible Interpreter and Revered Founder of Canaan Land, who served his people with unwavering dedication until his passing. It is also to honour his enduring values of leadership, integrity, love and cultural stewardship’’ a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Felix Aganbi said.

The statement issued in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, expressed excitement about the tournament’s potential success.

‘’ ‘’There is a huge amount at stake. We are looking forward to the top talent from across the world competing at the Late Olare-Aja of Koko Golf Classic. We are also looking forward to a memorable weekend filled with friendship, competition and community spirit.

The statement highlighted Akogate’s role in the advancement of sports and inspiration of sportspersons in Nigeria and abroad.

‘’We are excited by the overall enthusiasm of amateur and professional golfers towards the history making Late Olare-Aja of Koko Golf Classic’’

The statement unveiled badminton, table tennis, darts, Ayo, Ludo, cocktail night and award presentation party as activities lined up for the celebration of the life of the renowned lawyer and politician’’.

It further highlighted the exceptional opportunity for rising stars to compete against world-class players.

‘There are a lot of players who will be playing. There are also many players on the waiting list hoping to gain entry. It will be a star-studded field’’ the statement added.

INTERNATIONAL GOLFERS ARRIVE DELTA STATE

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