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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
Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community
By: Zagazola Makama
A man, identified as Limam Muhammad Baba, has allegedly killed his biological father, Malam Baba Siti, during a domestic altercation.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, July 3, at about 10:15 p.m., in Uzum village, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, when an argument between the two escalated, leading Limam to strike his father on the head with a stick.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim collapsed immediately and lost consciousness.
Police sources say “The report was received at the Giade Divisional Police Headquarters at about 10:30 p.m. that the suspect used force on his biological father by striking him on the head with a stick, leading to the victim falling unconscious.
He added that a team of police operatives was immediately mobilised to the scene. The suspect was arrested, and the victim was taken to the General Hospital in Giade, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead on arrival.
The police sources said the body of the deceased was deposited at the hospital morgue while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.
He assured that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community
Deputy chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA attacked, four suspects arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have apprehended four suspects in connection with an attack on the Deputy Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Mr Christopher Chia.
Sources told Zagazola Makama, that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, when Chia was reportedly attacked by a group of young men suspected to be cultists.
The sources said the police received a distress call from the victim at about 6:00 a.m.
“Police patrol and tactical teams were immediately deployed to the scene. The victim was rescued and taken to Toro Hospital in Katsina-Ala, where he was treated and later discharged,” said the sources.
According to the sources, preliminary investigation led to the arrest of four suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the prime suspect identified simply as Richard, a member of the Black Axe confraternity, who is currently at large.
The sources added that the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced a full investigation into the matter to unravel the motive behind the attack and bring all those involved to justice.
Deputy chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA attacked, four suspects arrested
Joint task force rescues kidnap victim in Abuja after 40km forest operation
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint task force comprising operatives of the
Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, local hunters, and vigilantes has successfully rescued a kidnap victim, Rasheed Soyinka, after a 40-kilometre forest operation across parts of Abuja.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the victim was abducted at gunpoint from his residence in Sabon Lugbe in the early hours of July 3, prompting a swift multi-agency response.
Shortly after the abduction, which occurred around 1:00 a.m., a joint task force involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, DSS operatives, local hunters, and vigilante groups, swung into action.
The coordinated operation, extended through Dafara via Gau Forest in Kuje Area Council and continued into Kabin Mongoro and Kwaita forests in Kwali Area Council, covering an estimated distance of 40 kilometres.
“Following sustained pressure and professional coordination, the victim was rescued at about 12:05 a.m. on July 4 without any casualties,”said the sources.
Soyinka was subsequently reunited with his family through his elder brother, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing abductors.
Joint task force rescues kidnap victim in Abuja after 40km forest operation
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Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community
Deputy chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA attacked, four suspects arrested
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