In a harrowing account, Mrs. Mercy Williams, a survivor of a traumatic kidnapping, recounts her terrifying ordeal and the miraculous reunion with her husband. On January 29, 2022, Mercy was abducted by armed assailants while traveling from Kaduna to Abuja, near Anguwar Maji in Jere town, along the Kaduna highway. She endured captivity until her release on February 4, 2022.
Describing the ordeal to reporters in Abuja, Mercy detailed how the gunmen intercepted their vehicle in a manner reminiscent of a military operation, signaling the driver to halt. As soon as she noticed the hooded and concealed faces of the assailants, she recognized them as kidnappers, instilling fear within her. In her desperation, she began to pray and thought of her beloved husband.
Mercy narrated her experience, saying, “We were en route to Abuja from Kaduna, having just passed a village near a police checkpoint, which I couldn’t identify. Suddenly, armed men overtook our bus, instructing our driver to stop. They commenced firing erratically, leaving all of us in a state of dread, fervently praying for our lives.”
Continuing, she revealed, “Ultimately, our terrified driver complied, and we were directed to disembark and lie flat on the ground. Initially, I feared they might harm us or that they were extremists seeking Christians to target, a common occurrence in the region.”
Mercy continued to explain how the kidnappers robbed them of their possessions and separated the men from the women, binding the men together. She was among four women, all younger than her. Subsequently, the kidnappers blindfolded them and led them into a dark, ominous forest, more than an hour’s walk from the initial abduction site.
Within the eerie darkness, Mercy discerned five huts and shadowy figures moving about. The kidnappers intermittently employed flashlights, heightening the atmosphere of dread. Mercy recalled whispers from the kidnappers and the sobs of her fellow women. She prayed ceaselessly as they ventured deeper into the forest.
“It was pitch black, but I could discern about five huts and silhouettes of individuals moving in the darkness,” Mercy said. “They exclusively used flashlights, switching them off at intervals. Upon arrival, an elderly woman approached us, assuring us that we would be safe if we cooperated.”
Mercy proceeded to recount the dreadful days that ensued, marked by fear, violence, and uncertainty. The hut where they were held captive was gloomy and foul-smelling, with the constant sound of nearby gunshots signifying grim fates for some captives.
After enduring days of torment, Mercy received word that her husband had been contacted by the kidnappers and was cooperating. This provided her with a glimmer of hope. However, on the fourth day, she was disguised as a man, her face concealed, and she was warned not to speak.
Ultimately, Mercy embarked on a perilous journey through the forest until encountering a mysterious figure. To her astonishment, it was her husband, who had come to her rescue, following explicit instructions from the kidnappers.
Mercy expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal and reuniting with her husband, disclosing that he had paid a ransom of ten million Naira for her release.
In his account of the ordeal, her husband, Mr. Williams, revealed the shock he experienced when one of the kidnappers called, threatening to harm his wife unless he cooperated. Williams recounted, “The caller was unequivocal, ‘We will harm your wife if you don’t cooperate or involve the police. We’ll be in touch, but to ensure her safety, provide us with N10 million within three hours.'”
“Following the call, I was distraught and unsure of what to do. I wept, prayed, and implored divine intervention, fearing for my wife’s life. I then mustered the strength to gather the money. They didn’t contact me as promised that day; I repeatedly called, but the number remained disconnected. I must have called it more than 300 times. I couldn’t sleep or eat that entire day. Worse, I couldn’t ascertain my wife’s condition or inform anyone.”
“Finally, on the third day, they called, disclosing a location near Anguwar Maji. They provided directions as I anxiously drove there, reaching the spot around 4 pm. I was instructed to stay in my car and told that my wife and I would be harmed if I had company or involved the police. I assured them of my solitude.”
“Approximately at 5:22 pm, a vehicle approached and signaled me to follow. I trembled, fearing the worst. Had they harmed my wife and now intended to harm me? I requested to speak with my wife, but they handed the phone to an elderly woman who reassured me of her well-being. Eventually, I was guided deeper into the forest. The journey was arduous, and I incessantly inquired about my wife’s condition, but the guide remained silent.”
“I was instructed to halt at a path in the forest, by which time it was growing dark. A young man approached and instructed me to place the money on the ground, followed by a ten-minute wait before approaching a man he indicated for my wife. He cautioned that if the money count was incorrect, both my wife and I would not make it to Abuja. I waited, lying on the ground for over ten minutes, fearing a potential gunshot.”
“When I gathered the courage to approach the designated man, I realized it was my wife, cleverly disguised as a man to evade recognition.”
Williams expressed immense gratitude for their safety, reflecting on the terrifying drive back. “I trembled throughout, while my wife prayed. It’s unfortunate that Nigeria has devolved into a place where kidnapping thrives, impeding citizens’ freedom of movement,” he concluded.
Regarding reporting the incident to the police, Williams stated that he was primarily relieved to be alive but noted that the location of his wife’s kidnapping was in close proximity to a police checkpoint. This astonishing narrative underscores the resilience and determination to overcome adversity, even in the face of overwhelming fear and peril.
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