Nearly one year has passed since a 26-year-old woman escaped from the Boko Haram enclave where she was held captive for almost a decade in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The woman, known as Rabiat for her safety, reflected on her life as a free woman in the city that has endured 15 years of conflict with the armed group. Rabiat was one of the 276 girls abducted by Boko Haram from Chibok in April 2014, with some still missing and others returning over the years.
After leaving captivity, Rabiat completed a deradicalization program and now lives in a compound with other women who were also held by Boko Haram. However, the transition back to normal life has been challenging, especially with negative reactions from some members of the community. Despite this, Rabiat remains determined to move forward and provide a better future for her children.
The Chibok kidnapping led to a global outcry and sparked the ongoing issue of school abductions in Nigeria. While progress has been made in weakening Boko Haram, many families are still waiting for their loved ones to return. The returnees face difficult decisions about their future, often conflicting with the expectations of their families and the government.
It is essential for authorities to listen to the needs and aspirations of the freed women and provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives. Rabiat dreams of furthering her education and providing a better future for her children, despite the challenges she has faced. Through compassion and understanding, these women can find a path forward after their harrowing experiences.