My Personal Experience

"My name is Amina. I’m 16 years old, and I live in Kaduna. What happened to me still feels like a nightmare, but I’ll tell you my story.

It was a normal morning. My friends and I were walking to school, laughing about something silly. The sun was just coming up, and everything felt peaceful—until it wasn’t. Suddenly, these men appeared out of nowhere. They had guns. Big ones. They shouted at us to stop, and my heart froze.

Before we could even think of running, they grabbed us and shoved us into a vehicle. I can still hear the tires screeching as we were driven away. They blindfolded us, and I remember my friend beside me crying. I wanted to comfort her, but I couldn’t even find the words. I was too scared.

When they took the blindfolds off, we were in the middle of a forest. It was so quiet, except for the sound of their voices—harsh, cold, demanding. They told us we’d only go home if our families paid them a ransom. I didn’t know whether to cry or scream. We were stuck there for days. I lost track of time, but every hour felt like a year.

They gave us food, but I could barely eat. At night, I lay awake on the cold ground, listening to the sounds of the forest and praying—praying to survive. I thought of my family, my school, my dreams of becoming a lawyer. I clung to those thoughts because they were the only things keeping me from breaking completely.

Eventually, my family managed to pay the ransom. I’ll never forget the moment they let me go. It was like stepping out of a cage, but the fear didn’t disappear. It followed me home, creeping into every corner of my life.

I couldn’t go back to school. Every time I tried, I’d panic and start shaking. The thought of walking that same path where they took me—it was too much. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever feel safe again.

But I won’t let what happened destroy me. If anything, it’s made me more determined. I want to become a lawyer so I can fight for justice. No one deserves to go through what I went through. I want to stand up for people who don’t have a voice and make sure that those who hurt others are held accountable.

I’m still scared, but I’m also strong. I survived, and now I want to make sure others don’t have to live through the same nightmare.".