Fayina Akilawus, a survivor of prolonged captivity by Boko Haram, has recounted harrowing experiences of coercion, forced labour, and repeated punishment during her years in captivity.

Speaking in an interview on Arise Television, Akilawus revealed that abductees were forced to choose between converting to Islam or enduring slavery. She consistently refused to renounce her Christian faith, a decision that, according to her, condemned her to years of forced domestic labour under the captors’ strict “law.”

“They wanted me to convert to Islam and I said no,” she said. “They told us that if we did not convert, we would become their slaves.”

She described the harsh conditions, explaining that refusal to convert meant performing endless domestic chores, including fetching water, carrying firewood, and other household tasks for members of the camp.

“We would do house chores and other things for them. We carried firewood, fetched water, and did all sorts of work,” Akilawus recounted. She noted that the pressure to convert was relentless and lasted several months.

After nine months of resisting conversion alongside other captives, the Boko Haram captors separated them, sending each to different homes to serve as slaves.

Akilawus also shared details of her first escape attempt. She and another captive, Auntie Jumai, tried to flee just days after arriving at the camp. The two women trekked through the night, navigating bush paths and waterways. Unfortunately, their escape was cut short when they unknowingly walked into a settlement, where locals quickly became suspicious of their unfamiliar clothing, leading to their recapture.

“When we entered, the people came out and saw us. They started shouting because our dressing was different from theirs… they captured us and took us back,” she said.

Despite repeated punishment, Akilawus’ determination to escape never waned. She described making multiple attempts to flee, often being chained with motorcycle chains, but never losing hope.

“With God, all things are possible. We prayed, and God had mercy on us. I tried to escape once, twice, three times, four times. This was the fifth time,” she said.

She also shared the financial struggles involved in securing freedom, explaining that escape often required paying ₦250,000, which they raised through selling belongings or saving small amounts given to them by captors.

Akilawus’ testimony highlights the resilience and courage of victims of Boko Haram, as well as the brutal realities faced by those who refuse to abandon their faith under extreme duress.