Chibok Schoolgirl, Lydia Simon, Freed After 10 Years, Reveals Ordeal and Life After Captivity

Lydia Simon, one of the 276 girls kidnapped from Chibok in 2014, has gained freedom, revealing a harrowing account of her 10-year captivity in the hands of Boko Haram extremists. Simon, now 27, emerged from captivity with her three children, shedding light on the ordeal she and six other Chibok girls faced in the Gwoza area of Borno, Nigeria.

Simon, formerly a student at Government Secondary School in Chibok, was taken captive a decade ago during the final exams alongside her classmates, sparking global outrage and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. She narrated a heart-wrenching story of losing three husbands to battles with soldiers during her captivity.

Living among abducted schoolgirls initially, Simon was later moved to the Bayan Dutse area in Gwoza. She disclosed that there were still six Chibok girls with her at Bayan Dutse, but she could not confirm the whereabouts of those left behind in Sambisa forest.

Despite regaining freedom, Simon’s desire for education has waned as she expressed her focus on caring for her children given her traumatic experiences. She spoke these words upon being handed over to Borno state officials by the Nigerian military.

Major General Wahidi Shaibu, the Theater Commander, highlighted the latest rescue operation as part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military, which has previously secured the release of 18 Chibok girls during various operations.

Brigadier AGL Haruna, the General Officer Commanding the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, assured that Lydia and her children are receiving intensive medical care and other support, preparing to be handed over to the state government for further care and rehabilitation.