Baptist School student freed after over 2 years in captivity

After a harrowing two-year ordeal, Treasure Ayuba, a student of Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State, has been reunited with his family following his release from captivity.

The heart-wrenching saga began on July 5, 2021, when a group of armed gunmen stormed the school premises, abducting 121 students in Maraban Damishi, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

While many of his fellow students were released over the past two years, Ayuba remained in the clutches of his captors.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Ayuba’s family tirelessly pursued his freedom, making numerous efforts and paying ransoms, but all in vain.

Last year, Rev Joseph Hayab, the Kaduna State Chairman of CAN, lamented the ongoing ordeal, sharing the struggles faced by the school proprietors, management, and parents.

In an uplifting turn of events, Israel Akanji, President of the Nigeria Baptist Convention (NBC), announced Ayuba’s release on November 2, 2023. The news brought immense relief and joy to Ayuba’s family and the entire community.

According to Hayap, who confirmed the student’s return, Ayuba found himself in an undisclosed community in the early hours of a Thursday.

Showing tremendous resilience, Ayuba sought help from the locals and they, in turn, arranged transportation for him. He embarked on a challenging journey, initially on a motorbike and later in a vehicle that brought him to Kaduna metropolis.

Upon reaching Sabon Tasha, Ayuba finally managed to reunite with his family, putting an end to the nightmare that had lasted for over two years.

To ensure his well-being, he has been taken to an undisclosed health facility for a comprehensive medical check-up.

This remarkable story of Ayuba’s release serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals in the face of adversity.

It is a heartwarming reminder of the unwavering support and prayers from the community and the commitment of organizations like CAN to secure the safe return of abducted students.