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Boko Haram: Terror survivor tells story of resilience amid adversity
Boko Haram: Terror survivor tells story of resilience amid adversity
By: Michael Mike
Abdullahi Hurso Bashir, a former councilor from Marte Local Government Area in Borno State, has shared his harrowing tale of survival and resilience in the face of Boko Haram’s insurgency. Bashir’s life was forever changed when his community was attacked in 2014, forcing him to flee and become an internally displaced person (IDP).
This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by Ahmed Mustapha, the Spokesperson of The Truth Alliance, which is a a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) dedicated to exposing the evil agenda and countering the narratives of Boko Haram terrorists and splinter groups like the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Ansaru.
Despite numerous challenges, including abduction by Boko Haram and the loss of his livelihood, the statement read, Bashir remains determined to rebuild his life. With support from organizations like Neem Foundation and CARE International, he has found hope and a sense of security.
Mustapha said that Bashir’s story is just one of many tales of survival and resilience in Borno State, highlighting the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and effective security measures to restore stability and hope to the lives of many.
Part of the statement read: “In the strife-torn Borno state, where Boko Haram’s insurgency has devastated communities since 2009, Abdullahi Hurso Bashir’s story stands as a testament to resilience and survival. Once a local councilor in Marte Local Government Area, Bashir’s life took a dramatic turn when escalating Boko Haram attacks forced him and other stakeholders in Baderi Nglewa Ward to flee their homes in 2014.”
“One of our Lawans was killed during the battle. They (Boko Haram) started hunting stakeholders. As a councilor, I was already a target,” Bashir recalls. Displaced and stripped of his livelihood, Bashir’s attempt to rebuild his life as an internally displaced person (IDP) has been fraught with challenges. “Farming, which is our biggest concern, especially in Marte, where we come from, is not possible again,” he laments.
Despite the adversity, Bashir adapted by engaging in small-scale farming and other businesses, though without the peace of mind he once knew. His ordeal took a darker turn when Boko Haram abducted him, suspecting him of collaborating with the military. “Four of them pointed their guns at me while I was making a phone call by the roadside. I was suspected of collaborating with the military,” he recounts the chilling moment when his life hung by a thread. Thankfully, a thorough examination of his phone revealed no incriminating evidence.
Bashir’s survival in captivity was partly due to being recognized by a Boko Haram member as a local driver, which led to an exchange of phone numbers and a dire warning not to escape. Considering fleeing to Lagos for safety, Bashir was thwarted by a sudden network blackout in Borno.
Despite the trauma of abduction and continuous instability, Bashir remains determined to build a better future. With support from organizations like the Neem Foundation and CARE International, he finds hope.
“They have improved our relationships… and helped protect our children from the darker elements within the camp,” Bashir notes.
“Abdullahi Hurso Bashir’s story is one of countless tales of survival, resilience, and the quest for peace in Borno state. His experiences underscore the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and effective security measures to restore stability and hope to displaced communities,” the statement further noted.
According to Mustapha, The Truth Alliance is dedicated to uncovering the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. He said that through education, outreach, and collaboration, they strive to build a safer, more resilient society. Their campaign, ‘Time to Tell the Truth,’ aims to expose how extremist groups manipulate, deceive, and destroy, promoting a message of resistance and resilience.
Boko Haram: Terror survivor tells story of resilience amid adversity
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than nine persons were injured on Monday following a clash between farmers and herders in Loko community, Nasarawa State.
Zagazola report that the incident occurred at about noon on Dec. 15 in Bakono village, Loko area, after a dispute over alleged damage to farmland.
The source said the farmland involved belonged to one Bako Usman.
According to the source, the clash resulted in injuries to five farmers and four herders.
Security forces stormed the scene to restore order, while the injured persons were rushed to the General Hospital, Loko, where they were admitted and are responding to treatment.
Sources said that a stakeholders’ meeting had been convened in the community to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
According to the sources, confidence-building patrols are ongoing, the situation is being closely monitored and the area remains relatively calm.
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
A soldier has been killed, while two others are missing following an attack on troops escorting farmers in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Monday during a security operation in a bush area of Takum, which has been prone to clashes involving militia elements.
The source said soldiers from a special forces unit along with police, NSCDC were deployed to provide security for Tiv farmers harvesting their farm produce when they were attacked by hoodlums suspected to be local militia in Taraba state.
According to the source, one soldiers was killed during the attack.
The source further disclosed that following the incident, soldiers cordoned off the venue of the Miyetti Allah executives’ election at the FGR Samsokwa Hall, in Takum, and arrested male executives of the association present at the venue. Though it was yet to establish if they were involved in the attack.
Another sources pointed accusing finger at the Taraba state special adviser on security allegedly to be behind the Militia. Though, Zagazola cannot independently verify the claim.
Meanwhile, security forces have arrested a group of suspected armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The suspects were caught with AK-47 rifles during an operation carried out on Friday.
After their arrest, the suspects were taken into custody. In a video that later surfaced online, the men were seen lying face down with their hands tied while security operatives questioned them about where they got the weapons.
One of the suspects alleged that some officials of the Kwara State government gave them both the vehicle and the rifles. He claimed they had been operating in the area under the cover of patrol duties.
According to him, the weapons did not belong to them personally. He said their leader collected the rifles and that they often went on patrol together with some individuals he mentioned by name. He insisted that the guns belonged to those officials.
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted five workers at a construction site along the Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in Kwara State.
Zagazola report that the incident was reported at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday by Alhaji Suleiman Abdullah Olanrewaju, manager of Fix Contracting Engineering Company.
The source said Olanrewaju reported that the abduction occurred earlier in the day at about 11:40 a.m. while the workers were on site when the gunmen attacked and whisked them away.
Those abducted were identified as Engr. Ademola Afolabi, Engr. Umar Lade, Fatai and Akin, both labourers, as well as a driver identified as Yusuf.
According to the source, the complainant said he had earlier reported the incident to the military before notifying the police.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke mobilised a team of police operatives who linked up with the military and local vigilantes to comb the surrounding bushes in a bid to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, while security agencies said further developments would be communicated.
End
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
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