Surviving the Unthinkable: 19 Days in Kidnappers’ Captivity – A Psychologist Draws into The Inspiring Story of the Al-Kadriyar Sisters -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

In a profoundly moving and emotionally charged narrative, the Al-Kadriyar sisters courageously recount their harrowing 19-day ordeal at the merciless hands of kidnappers. This gripping story delves into the depths of their souls, revealing the profound emotions they endured, the unbreakable bond that sustained them, and their fervent hope to share their harrowing journey through a potential Hollywood and Nollywood film adaptation.

Their harrowing odyssey into darkness began on that fateful day, January 3rd, when they were cruelly abducted alongside their beloved father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar. Tragedy struck their family as Nabeeha, a promising 400-level student of Biological Science at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, tragically lost her life during their captivity. Her untimely death cast a profound shadow over the family’s already traumatic experience, leaving her sisters shattered and consumed by grief.

Najeebah Al-Kadriyar, a resilient 500-level Quantity Surveying student, emerged as the steadfast voice of her sisters. Her words painted a vivid and heart-rending portrait of ceaseless movement, interminable hours of walking without rest or water, and unrelenting emotional torment. In her poignant words, “You know on Friday, we walked from 10 am till the next 4 am or even later. They wouldn’t let us rest; they wouldn’t let us drink water. We only got to drink water around 10 am yesterday morning. At a point, I almost gave up; I almost asked them to just end it all.”

The emotional turmoil that Najeebah and her sisters endured throughout their captivity was overwhelmingly intense. Yet, their resilience in the face of such unimaginable suffering was nothing short of extraordinary. Bound by an unbreakable sisterly bond, they clung to each other, refusing to be torn asunder even as hunger and despair gnawed at their strength. Their sisterhood emerged as a radiant beacon of hope amidst the darkest of hours.
The discovery of water after days of agonizing deprivation triggered an eruption of emotions – excitement, relief, and gratitude. It was a moment that transcended the physical realm; the taste of water was sweeter than any delicacy, a symbol of unyielding hope and the indomitable will to survive.
Their faith became their refuge during those harrowing days in captivity. Their prayers became a profound source of strength, and they expressed immense relief that they were spared from the horrors of molestation, a haunting fear that had relentlessly loomed over them throughout their nightmarish ordeal. They attributed their safety to Allah’s blessings and mercy and were deeply moved by the outpouring of prayers and support they received from people during this trying time.

Amidst the unimaginable pain and suffering, the idea of documenting their incredible journey through a potential Hollywood and Nollywood film adaptation began to take shape within these resilient sisters. Their extraordinary odyssey, marked by heart-wrenching emotions and unwavering courage, demanded to be shared with the world. It was a story that transcended boundaries, an exploration of the human spirit’s capacity to endure, to find strength in the most desolate of circumstances, and to cling to hope when it seemed all was lost.

Furthermore, the need to write a moving book about their experiences began to emerge. This book would serve as a powerful testament to their indomitable spirit and offer readers a deep insight into the depths of their resilience. It would be a literary journey that could inspire and touch the hearts of countless individuals, reminding them of the boundless strength that resides within the human soul.

Abbas Al-Kadriyar, the heroic uncle who retrieved the girls from the forest, revealed a startling truth, “We paid a ransom for the release of our girls. A ransom was paid, and the police were not involved. The children called me, and I went to pick them up. On my way, I saw soldiers at the junction, and the bush is a very thick bush along the Gurara Dam, so I had to call the attention of the soldiers to follow me to the spot where we could locate our children.”
The revelation of their uncle’s death, learned only after their release, added yet another layer of sorrow to their already traumatized hearts. Their emotions ranged from profound grief for their uncle to a deep-seated sense of injustice at the hands of their captors.

This gripping narrative of survival transcends mere storytelling; it encapsulates the sheer resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. The Al-Kadriyar sisters’ unwavering courage in sharing their story stands as an enduring testament to the strength and fortitude of the human soul.

Furthermore, the surviving sisters, all of whom are currently pursuing their education, harbor dreams and aspirations that extend beyond their traumatic past. Scholarships and support for their education would provide them with a much-needed lifeline as they endeavor to rebuild their lives. It is a cause that governments and corporate giants in Nigeria and beyond should champion, for the betterment of humanity.

In the future, their commitment to sharing their story will extend to providing post-survival therapy for various purposes. They will actively engage in advocating for resilience and survival, giving lectures on these topics and offering scholarships and various forms of support to help others in need.

In a remarkable gesture of goodwill, this psychologist has offered to provide post-survival therapy for free, recognizing the critical importance of helping the sisters cope with the emotional aftermath of their traumatic experience. This offer will play a pivotal role in their physical and emotional healing, ensuring they receive the necessary support to overcome their deep scars.

As if the story couldn’t get more inspiring, the idea of a Hollywood and Nollywood film adaptation is strongly suggested. This potential film holds the power to captivate global audiences while shedding light on the sisters’ remarkable courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their extraordinary journey is not merely a story; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul and the enduring power of hope, love, and sisterhood.

In recognition of their extraordinary courage and resilience, it would be fitting for the President and the National Assembly to extend a formal invitation to the Al-Kadriyar sisters. Such an invitation would not only honor their indomitable spirit but also acknowledge their significant contribution to inspiring hope and courage in the face of adversity. It is in this spirit that they also deserve some form of national award, a symbol of their bravery and their potential to inspire millions across the nation.

The Al-Kadriyar sisters’ story has captured the attention of the entertainment world, leading to invitations to appear on popular television shows and talk programs. Let us rejoice in the news that they have been invited to share their extraordinary journey on renowned programs in Nigeria and beyond, where their resilience and unwavering bond could certainly move audiences to tears. Their appearances on any prominent show will serve as a model to all, given their status as symbols of strength and hope.

Their incredible tale should resonate with radio audiences worldwide, providing in-depth accounts of their ordeal and the emotional rollercoaster they endured during their 19 days in captivity. Radio hosts and listeners alike should be profoundly inspired by their courage and determination, and their interviews could spark meaningful discussions on topics ranging from trauma recovery to the power of faith.

The Al-Kadriyar sisters should become sought-after speakers at conferences and events focused on resilience, survival, and empowerment. Their inspirational speeches could leave an indelible mark on diverse audiences, from corporate gatherings to educational symposiums. They will share not only the harrowing details of their experience but also the profound life lessons they gained from it.

Recognizing the educational value of their story, the sisters should actively engage with universities and schools. As guest lecturers at various institutions, they can delve into the psychological aspects of their survival, providing young students with invaluable insights into resilience and the importance of supporting one another in times of crisis.

The Al-Kadriyar sisters’ story transcends the boundaries of a single family’s harrowing ordeal; it speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds of love and sisterhood. Their journey is a beacon of hope for all who face their own trials and tribulations.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu