I was almost kidnapped by the terrorist group Boko haram.

The incident occurred a few years back when my father was campaigning for an opposition party in the Northern region of Nigeria. I will never forget that experience. I am still traumatized by it. If not for the grace of God, I wouldn't be here today.

Members of Boko Haram bombed a church that I was supposed to be in at the time of the bombing. My best friend died in that bombing. I wasn't able to attend church that day. Why? Boko Haram commandeered the bus I was riding that day to attend church services. They told all of the girls to exit the bus. Some of us decided to run, as we were taught to do so in such a situation. I was one of the lucky ones, or should I say 'blessed ones,' to escape. I literally ran 6 miles to escape.

The terror group Boko Haram, which means Western Education Forbidden, has caused a lot of chaos and pain to millions of individuals in Nigeria, Mali, Chad and other nations. Not so long ago, they were deemed the world's deadliest terror group. It seemed implausible, even reprehensible, to hear our government issue a formal declaration of forgiveness to members of Boko Haram. Our government told citizens we should forgive the insurgents after members of Boko Haram underwent a deradicalisation programme. I will never forget. I cannot forget.