After 98 harrowing days in captivity, Hamisu, a resident of the Mashaya community in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has finally regained his freedom, but with deep physical and emotional wounds.
Hamisu was abducted nearly four months ago along with his brother and sister-in-law. He was released on Wednesday morning in Marnona town, Wurno LGA, after a driver quietly brought him in, according to Katsina-based security expert Malam Bakatsine.
Witnesses described him as weak, shaken, and visibly traumatized after months marked by fear and brutality.
His release brought mixed emotions to his community. While residents celebrated his survival, they also mourned his sister-in-law, who died in captivity. His brother had escaped earlier, leaving Hamisu to endure the ordeal alone.
The incident reflects the wider insecurity affecting thousands across Nigeria. Amnesty International estimates that more than 10,000 people have been killed by armed groups since the current administration took office two years ago.
International concern is also rising: U.S. lawmakers recently warned President Bola Tinubu that Washington would hold him accountable if attacks against Christians persist, calling the violence “religious cleansing.”
The U.S. government has also announced visa restrictions for individuals linked to violations of religious freedom, including those involved in orchestrating attacks on Christian communities.
Across northern and Middle Belt states, ongoing violence has displaced thousands of families, intensifying what experts describe as a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis.
