I’ve seen my city go through unimaginable changes over the years. As a young man, Maiduguri was a thriving commercial centre, bustling with traders and farmers from all over the region. But all of that changed with the arrival of Boko Haram.
I remember the day they first attacked us. It was like a nightmare that wouldn’t end. They came with guns, bombs, and a message of hate. They wanted us to abandon our way of life and adopt their twisted version of Islam. But we knew that wasn’t the way of our people. We’ve always been peaceful, tolerant, and welcoming to everyone.
As the attacks continued, life became increasingly difficult. Markets were destroyed, businesses closed, and many people fled the city in search of safety. But I couldn’t leave. This is my home, and I couldn’t abandon it. I had to find a way to survive, no matter what.
The insurgency affected every aspect of our lives. Food became scarce, and prices skyrocketed. Many of our farms were abandoned, and the few that remained were often targeted by the insurgents. I had to be creative to feed my family. I’d sneak out at night to buy food from traders who’d venture out of the city under the cover of darkness.
But it wasn’t just the lack of food that was the problem. The constant fear of attacks, the sound of gunfire and explosions, the sight of dead bodies and destruction – it took a toll on all of us. Many people lost loved ones, including friends and family members. I lost my younger brother in one of the attacks. He was a teacher, and his school was targeted. It’s a pain that never goes away.
The military came to our aid, but their presence wasn’t without its challenges. There were times when we felt caught in the crossfire, unsure of who was fighting whom. But we were grateful for their bravery and sacrifices. They’ve lost many good men and women in this fight, and we will always be grateful for their service.
Despite the challenges, we’ve found ways to cope. We’ve formed support groups, where we share what little we have and look out for one another. We’re a community that doesn’t give up easily.
Today, as I look out at the city, I see signs of hope. The military has made significant gains against Boko Haram, and many areas are beginning to return to normal. Children are back in school, and markets are reopening. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.
I’m proud of my community for standing strong against the insurgency. We’ve been tested in ways we never thought possible, but we’ve emerged stronger and more united. We’ll continue to work towards rebuilding our city, brick by brick, and ensuring that Boko Haram’s ideology of hate and violence never takes root here again.
As narrated by: Alhaji Umar (Maiduguri, Nigeria).
This snippet is published as part of a series, The Day Boko Haram Attacked.
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