Survivor’s Escape: Maryam’s Flight From Sambisa Forest

By HALIMA TAKWAS

MARYAM Ibrahim, a 32-year-old mother from Madagali, endured abduction, violence, and forced labour in Boko Haram’s Sambisa Forest before making a daring escape.

Taken with 49 other women, Maryam was subjected to daily abuse, starvation, and forced to clean weapons for fighters. She survived on stolen food and endured psychological torment, losing her husband, father, and two of her seven children in the conflict. Three others remain missing.

Her second escape attempt succeeded when she fled during an operation, helping another captive along the way. Rescued by locals and later sheltered at a military barracks, she now lives with community support, aided by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which provides food, shelter, and psychosocial care.

Despite her losses, Maryam clings to hope of reuniting with her missing children and rebuilding her life. Her story reflects the resilience of survivors and underscores calls for stronger security and rehabilitation measures in the North-East.