After spending 98 traumatic days in captivity, a man identified as Hamisu, from Mashaya community in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has finally regained his freedom. His release took place on Wednesday morning in Marnona town, Wurno LGA, bringing an end to a terrifying ordeal marked by fear, loss and deep uncertainty.
Hamisu was abducted nearly four months ago along with his brother and his brother’s wife. However, the return home was far from joyful — his sister-in-law died in captivity, while his brother managed to escape earlier, leaving Hamisu alone with the armed abductors.
Security expert Malam Bakatsine confirmed that a driver quietly brought the weakened and emotionally shaken man back to town. Witnesses described him as frail, exhausted, and visibly traumatised by the brutal conditions he endured.
News of his return quickly spread across Mashaya, sparking a mix of relief and sorrow. Residents celebrated his survival while mourning the woman who never made it out. Many are also demanding clear answers about how the abduction happened and the rising insecurity affecting their communities.
Hamisu’s case mirrors the reality of thousands of Nigerians suffering amid the country’s worsening security crisis. According to Amnesty International, more than 10,217 people have been killed by armed groups since the current administration assumed office two years ago, highlighting the growing scale of vi0lence across the nation.
The global community is taking note. Recently, U.S. lawmakers warned President Bola Tinubu that the United States will hold his government accountable if attacks on Christian communities continue, describing the killings as a form of religious cleansing.
In response, the U.S. government has announced visa restrictions on Nigerians linked to violations of religious freedom, particularly those who orchestrate or support attacks on vulnerable communities.
As insecurity escalates across northern and Middle Belt regions, thousands of families remain displaced, deepening what experts describe as one of Nigeria’s most severe humanitarian crises in decades.
This latest incident underscores a pressing need for stronger security measures, community protection, and urgent national reforms to tackle the growing wave of abductions and armed violence.
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