It was one of the most difficult times - Fulori Rabuka

“It was one of the most difficult times in my family’s life.”

This is the sentiment by Fulori Rabuka the wife of one of the 45 soldiers that were captured in Syria.

Rabuka who is the wife of Captain Savenaca Siwatibau Rabuka said her family would just pray every day for the safe return of their loved one.

Rabuka said when a video of the soldiers was released which showed her husband sending out a message, she said it was very emotional for them as it felt like they had just been captured.

She said at around 8pm on Thursday night she had seen the news all over social media that the soldiers were released.

Rabuka said but this did not bring comfort to her.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was emotional when he spoke to some of the family members of the Fijian UN peacekeepers.

Bainimarama assured the families that the soldiers were all safe and well.

He told the families that they will continue to support them.

Bainimarama said he knows that everybody was worried about the 45 soldiers, but with the hard work of the UN negotiators they were released.

He also thanked the nation and all the religious organizations that prayed for the safe return of the soldiers.