Hajiya Rahmatu Sani, a director at the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation ,NDIC, has narrated how she narrowly escaped from kidnappers in Abuja during an attempt to kidnap her.
Sani was kidnapped on October 21, 2024, at 7 am while driving to work. She had just left Esteem Boys’ College in the Lokogoma area of Abuja where her husband, Malam Musa Bukar, was a director.
However the kidnapping attempts did not last long as she fought her way out of the hands of the kidnappers.
Narrating her ordeal, Rahmatu said she found herself face to face with the kidnappers shortly after she left the school.
“A few minutes after I left the school and was on my way to work, I encountered kidnappers not far from the school. They started shooting, opened the door, and told my driver to come out and lie down or be killed. All my tires were gone, and bullets were penetrating into my car. Allah allowed me to say, ‘Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raji’un,” she narrated.
She added that initially she thought the kidnappers were armed robbers but after they dragged her out of the vehicle and ordered her to enter another vehicle they brought, it dawned on her she was being kidnapped.
“Allah kept me calm as I called on Him. They brought me out, took my phone, and grabbed my bag. I thought they were armed robbers; the idea of kidnapping had never crossed my mind. It was around 7:08 in the morning. When they showed me a car and told me to enter, it was then I realised they were kidnappers. I said, ‘Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raji’un,’ and refused to enter. I told them to shoot me and carry me inside if they must.”
She further said she refused to enter the vehicle which led to a physical struggle between her and the abductors who dragged her in an effort to force her inside the car. She was also hoping onlookers would intervene and rescue her but noted they were afraid because of the guns the kidnappers were carrying.
“He held my hand and pushed me, but I kept calling on Allah, reciting all the prayers I could remember. As they dragged me, I continued calling on Allah. When he realised I wasn’t yielding, he pulled me up. I looked around, pleading for help, but everyone was afraid of the gunshots. People in the estate where it was happening were taking cover.”
By the time they realised I wasn’t going easily, another one came, making it two. I kept calling on Allah and fighting back. They took me like a baby, but my mouth didn’t stop calling on Allah. They pushed me and hit my head against the car, and I used my leg to hit back. When they tried to close the door, I struggled, and they threatened to break my leg. I told them to go ahead, as I was ready to give my life. I believed that if I died in this condition, I would have sacrificed myself for my livelihood, without oppressing anyone.”
Rahmatu was eventually overpowered a d forced into the car. However, shortly after they left the scene, something miraculous happened which led to her escape.
“They overpowered me and angrily sat on my shoulder, forcing me toward the car. Allah helped me stay focused, and I kept calling on Him. Despite the pain, I recited ‘Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raji’un’ and ‘la haula wala quwwata illa billahi.’ They hated hearing these prayers and told me to be quiet, but I didn’t stop.”
“As we sped away, I heard a loud bang. I thought they had shot someone, but their tire had burst, and there was terrible traffic ahead. Their bumper also came off. People noticed their erratic driving and the damaged car, believing it was stolen. Suddenly, a car blocked them, and the four kidnappers got out to resolve the issue.”
“Despite my pain, I tried to open the door, only to realise it was child-locked. Using the last of my strength, I knocked loudly on the glass. Someone in the crowd heard me and opened the door. They saw me bruised and dirty and asked what happened. I told them they were kidnappers, and when the crowd heard that, Allah put fear into the kidnappers, causing them to drop their guns and run away.”
She urged people to be prayerful noting that her prayers saved her on the day
“I want to highlight the importance of prayer. No matter what situation you find yourself in, always pray your way out, pray for your children, and surrender yourself to Allah.”