A woman who recently escaped from Boko Haram
captivity in Gwoza town of Gwoza Local Government
Area of Borno State has said the sect leader,
Abubakar Shekau, is still alive.
She told newsmen in Maiduguri yesterday that
Shekau, ” is alive and healthy” and often preaches in
Gwoza township.
According to the woman, before their escape from
the den of the terrorists, they witnessed the killings
of 75 elders of Gwoza, including her father in-law,
who were hanged and their bodies left on the streets
of Gwoza.
“My husband is alive, he had run away since the
early days of the invasion and he is currently here in
Maiduguri.
“We were captured since then by the Boko Haram
and have remained in their custody for more than
three months before now.
“When we escaped, we travelled by night in the
bushes until we arrived at Michika.
“Those who arrested us at Michika said we were
Boko Haram’s wives, but we pleaded and having
proven our innocence, they kept us for days until
when the former governor of Adamawa State, Mr
Boni Haruna, came to Michika.
“It was he who offered to help us with food and
medication. When we regained our strength, he
asked us many questions.
“It was during the questioning that I mentioned my
husband brother’s name who is living in Adamawa
and they sent for him. After he had identified me,
they released me to him, before I later came to
Maiduguri to unite with my family,” she said.
The woman said she has seven children and believed
they are still alive, though she is presently in one of
the internally displaced persons’ camps in Maiduguri
GRA.