One of the 100 school children who were recently released from their abductors has shared details of what occurred when they were held captive.

The pupil identified as Florence Michael from the St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State, said they were cautioned not to make noise while they slept trampoline in a dense bush near a river. She revealed that should they go contrary to the orders, they would be beaten and their release delayed.

“They told us if we made noise, they would beat us and we would not go back home,” Florence said, adding, “They gave us a trampoline to lie on and kept us in the bush near a river.” She urged the government to strengthen protection measures to ensure that students can learn safely.

Recall that the students were released and were handed over to the Niger State Government by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong.

Ribadu revealed that the operation was coordinated by the Office of the NSA (ONSA), the DSS, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies. He stated that the federal government has deployed short-term protection strategies for high-risk schools while working with state governments, traditional rulers, and religious leaders on long-term community security plans.

Governor Umaru Bago described the rescue as a huge relief to parents and the state. The children were recovered between Lumma and Wawa towns in Borgu LGA around 7 pm on Sunday and transported to Minna via New Bussa.

They were abducted after terrorists stormed the school in the early hours of November 21 after a coordinated attack that lasted between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.