Our lives changed forever when Boko Haram attacked our village. It was a Tuesday, around 5:00 am. We were fast asleep in our house when we heard the warning cries, “Boko Haram is coming!” We didn’t hesitate; we left everything behind and ran for our lives. We’ve been displaced for a while now, and we haven’t been able to return to our village.
All our valuables, including our farm produce, were left behind. We used wheelbarrows to transport our younger children and essential items, and it took us two days to reach safety. We had to survive on minimal food during those two days in the forest. From there, we went to Mamuri and eventually ended up here. My family is with me, and we’re currently staying in a makeshift home.
My main concern is that we’ve lost our source of livelihood. We need the government’s help to check on our farms and retrieve our valuables. I’ve lost approximately ₦5 million worth of property and produce. I had planted millet, groundnuts, beans, and other crops, but I’m afraid most of them have spoiled by now. I’m planning to go back and assess the damage.
The Boko Haram insurgency has taken a toll on us. We’ve lost loved ones, our homes, and our livelihoods. We’re struggling to meet our daily needs, which was never a problem when we were in our village. Our buildings have been burned to ashes, leaving us with nothing but the land.
We humbly request that the government assist us in rebuilding and resettling our community. A kick-start to help us begin new businesses would go a long way. We want to regain our independence and provide for our families without relying on aid. We’re willing to work hard, but we need the government’s support to get back on our feet.
As narrated by: Umar Bunu (Maiduguri, Nigeria).
This snippet is published as part of a series, The Day Boko Haram Attacked.
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