A Nigerian lady, Oyetoso Modupeoluwa, has recounted how being kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen affected her negatively and also led to the death of her fiance.
In tweets she shared on her Twitter account, @Doopeh, she disclosed that she regained her freedom after her parents paid a ransom. She said that she has realized she may not get over the trauma but will have to move on from it.
Oyetoso noted that food security in the country is in danger as many farmers have abandoned their farms because of the actions of kidnappers.
Read her story below…
“I was kidnapped by Fulani men on my way from the farm and my fiancée who was driving the car was shot and killed. I regained my freedom after my parents paid the ransom.
After the incidence, I withdrew into a shell and just wanted to be left alone. I got tired of everyone asking to know how it happened. It was painful and traumatic having to relive the experience each time I talk about it. Few days after my release…
I heard two people had been abducted again — one from the same town and another from a neighbouring town. Interestingly, even I was expecting to hear about it on the news and learn what the government had done about it. Alas! There was only silence…Just as I have been silent.
No one is willing to talk about it, and we all suffer alone and in silence. Speaking out is a tough decision. I was exposed to rain and cold as I was held in the forest for 2 days. Ever since it happened, I’ve been bothered by a feeling of emptiness, I get easily startled.
I’m hyper-vigilant with a profound fear of being kidnapped again. Spotting people dressed similar to the kidnapers has been a trigger releasing flashbacks. That sense of safety was broken and the lack of control in captivity shattered my self-confidence.
Out of the blues, I re-live the shooting, death threats, despair, helplessness and some other ordeal the kidnapping forced upon me. My family and friends endured the longest 2 days of their lives — waiting, hoping, and praying for my safe return.
