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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
Armed bandits kill man, abduct nine in macitta village, niger state
By: Zagazola Makama
Nine people were abducted and one man killed when armed bandits attacked Macitta village in Mariga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State late Wednesday night, sources confirmed.
Sources said that around 11:30 p.m., a large group of armed bandits entered the community via Kotonkoro District, shooting sporadically. One of the residents, Aliyu Dan Tsohon Soja, 35, was shot dead during the attack. The identities of the nine abducted victims are yet to be confirmed.
Security forces , local vigilantes, and hunters were mobilized to the area, and the body of the deceased was evacuated to the General Hospital, Bangi, for autopsy. Efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers and ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped individuals.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and report any information that may assist in the rescue operations and apprehension of the bandits.
Armed bandits kill man, abduct nine in macitta village, niger state
Three children die in bush fire while grazing cattle in Mokwa, Niger state
By: Zagazola Makama
Three children lost their lives after being engulfed by fire while grazing cattle in Tungan-Noma village, Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State on Wednesday, sources confirmed.
According to sources, the children Huzairu (12), Aliru (11), and Kabiru Surajo (12) went out for cattle grazing around 12:30 p.m. and entered a deep gully in the bush.
They reportedly set dried grasses on fire in an attempt to trap small bush animals. Unfortunately, the flames spread rapidly, trapping the children and preventing their escape.
The lifeless bodies were recovered and evacuated to the General Hospital, Mokwa, for autopsy. Authorities visited the scene to assess the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The incident draw attention to the dangers children face in rural areas, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities without supervision.
Parents have been urged to exercise caution and ensure children’s safety during such activities.
Three children die in bush fire while grazing cattle in Mokwa, Niger state
Police foil kidnap attempt on Benin-Lagos expressway, rescue 14 victims
By: Zagazola Makama
Fourteen passengers, including four juveniles, were rescued after an attempted kidnap by armed gunmen along the Benin–Lagos Expressway at Isiuwa, Edo State, police sources confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m., when about 20 gunmen, divided into three groups, emerged from the bush and opened sporadic fire on moving vehicles.
The assailants attempted to attack policemen stationed at a checkpoint but were repelled by responding officers, who coordinated with the Operation Rescue Team, CP Intelligence Squad (Buffalo Team), and Nigerian soldiers.
Two Toyota Sienna vehicles were targeted. One, with registration number RSH 210 CH, was carrying seven passengers from Imo State to Ondo State, while the second, AME 211 YL, carried six passengers.
Police stormed the bush where the gunmen had taken the victims, successfully rescuing ten adults and four juveniles. The rescued included Frederick God Bless, Prosper Admijom, Oluyemi Bolu, Amoo Muyiwa, Ifoma Uchije, Daniel Chibuzo, Solomon Audu, Samuel Chibuke, Kemi Olayiwola, Ugochukwu Irozuruike, and juveniles Chidera Ochije, Augustine Ochije, Chukwuka Ochije, and Obiakor Chisom.
During the chaos, one Abba Adam, a conductor of a Howo truck with registration DED 638 XB, jumped out of his vehicle and was struck by an oncoming truck, dying on the spot. His body was recovered and deposited at Emiloju Medical Center, Okada Junction.
Three passengers are still missing, and search efforts are ongoing. Some of the rescued victims have since continued their journey safely.
Police foil kidnap attempt on Benin-Lagos expressway, rescue 14 victims
Four killed, three injured in lakurwa bandit attack on baidi village, sokoto state
Armed bandits kill man, abduct nine in macitta village, niger state
Three children die in bush fire while grazing cattle in Mokwa, Niger state
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