Press release 14 (Nigeria)
The Story of Abdullahi Hurso Bashir, a Survivor of Displacement and Conflict.
In the strife-torn of Borno state, a home to many people in different communities were destroyed as heat from the Boko Haram insurgency spreads beyond Maiduguri since 2009.
Since then, the Boko Haram insurgent expanded to local areas and planted dangers in villages. A farmer who is addressed as Abdullahi Hurso Bashir, recounts his story as one of the most challenging as he transcend from a local councilor in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State to a displaced individual barely known as someone is striving to rebuild his life amidst threats and challenges.
As the State witnessed several attacks for more than a decade, the target of these groups was purely stakeholders and government-related institutions or persons. Abdullahi’s life faced a dramatic turn when the escalating Boko Haram attacks his community and 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. And as a councilor, I was already a target.” Bashir recalls the perilous conditions that led to their displacement from their homes.
“Life has not been easy, but we are still thankful to the Almighty.” He added.
Settling as an internally displaced person (IDP), Bashir attempted to rebuild his life, but the shadow of his past and the ongoing conflict followed him.
“Farming, which is our biggest concern, especially in Marte, where we come from, is not possible again. We attempted to farm, but all efforts were abortive.” Bashir Lamented.
Despite these challenges, he adapted many businesses and tried also engaging in small-scale farming, though never with the peace of mind he once knew.
“I used to export 20 to 50 bags of cement and had extensive farmland. Now, those fields are under the control of Boko Haram, imposing taxes on people who use them,” Bashir detailed the transformation of his livelihood.
Bashir’s narrative takes a darker turn with his abduction by Boko Haram, marking a terrifying brush with death.
“Four of them pointed their guns at me while I was making a phone calls by the road side… I was suspected of collaborating with the military,” he recounted the chilling moment when his life hung by a thread.
During that times, if one is arrested or gun pointed, it’s the end for the person because he will be killed. Though, Abdullahi Hurso Bashir’s survival came down to a critical examination of his phone, which, thankfully, did not reveal any incriminating evidence the armed groups are looking for.
“Alhamdulillah, after thorough checks, they decided I wasn’t guilty,” he breathed a sigh of relief.
Even that that Moment, one of the Boko Haram member recognizes him as someone who drives people from the villages around and alerted his colleagues that he could be a good driver.
“They knew us very well; one of them said to me that I’m the one who used to drive passengers from this town to another, so I’m very expert, and i should not deny it. From there, they exchanged numbers with me and said they’d call me at any moment to work for them as their driver and that I should not try to escape.” Bashir said.
“I decided to leave the town and go to Lagos to be free from all these, and then that week the network connection was completely cut off in Borno for the first time. It was for that reason that I decided to stay back because there’s no more communication.” He added
The trauma of abduction and the continuous instability have not deterred Bashir from working towards a better future. With support from organizations like the Neem Foundation and CARE International, he sees a glimmer of hope.
“They have improved our relationships… and helped protect our children from the darker elements within the camp.” Bashir appreciates the efforts that have brought some semblance of security and normalcy to their lives.
Abdullahi Hurso Bashir and his likes are one of the countless tales of survival, resilience, and the relentless quest for peace in Borno state. As he looks to the future, his experiences and challenges faced by him and other displaced communities in Nigeria, highlights the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and effective security measures to restore stability and hope to the lives of many like him.
About Truth Alliance
The Truth Alliance is committed to unmasking the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the Truth Alliance strives to build a safer, more resilient society for all.
In a campaign tagged ‘Time to Tell the Truth’, the Truth Alliance has come together to expose the truth behind how violent extremist groups draw young people into their ranks. Their message is simple: These groups manipulate, they deceive, they Control, they kill, they kidnap, they destroy, and their movement as well as ideology is inherently weak.
Ahmed Mustapha
Spokesperson
The Truth Alliance
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
● https://truthalliance.africa/reach-us/
● info@truthalliance.org.ng
