Abdullahi Hurso Bashir, a former councilor from Marte Local Government Area in Borno State, has shared his incredible journey 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).
In a recent statement by Ahmed Mustapha, the Spokesperson of The Truth Alliance, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) dedicated to countering the narratives of Boko Haram and splinter groups, Bashir’s remarkable story was brought to light. Despite enduring numerous challenges, including abduction by Boko Haram and the loss of his livelihood, Bashir remains determined to rebuild his life. Thanks to the support of organizations like Neem Foundation and CARE International, he has found hope and a sense of security.
According to Mustapha, Bashir’s story is just one of many tales of survival and resilience in Borno State, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and effective security measures to restore stability and hope to the lives of many.
Bashir, once a local councilor in Marte Local Government Area, experienced a dramatic shift in his life when escalating Boko Haram attacks forced him and other stakeholders in Baderi Nglewa Ward to flee their homes. Reflecting on those challenging times, Bashir recalls, “One of our Lawans was killed during the battle. They (Boko Haram) started hunting stakeholders. As a councilor, I was already a target.”
Displaced and stripped of his livelihood, Bashir’s journey to rebuild his life as an internally displaced person (IDP) has been filled with obstacles. He laments the loss of farming, the primary source of income in his community, saying, “Farming, which is our biggest concern, especially in Marte, where we come from, is not possible again.”
Despite the adversity, Bashir has adapted by engaging in small-scale farming and other businesses, although 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. Recounting the chilling moment when his life hung by a thread, Bashir shares, “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.” Fortunately, 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, leading to an exchange of phone numbers and a dire warning not to escape. Although he considered 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 the support of organizations like the Neem Foundation and CARE International, he finds hope. Bashir notes, “They have improved our relationships and helped protect our children from the darker elements within the camp.”
Abdullahi Hurso Bashir’s story is just one among countless tales of survival, resilience, and the quest for peace in Borno state. His experiences underline the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and effective security measures to restore stability and hope to displaced communities, as emphasized in The Truth Alliance’s statement.
The Truth Alliance, through their dedication to uncovering the truth behind violent and extremist groups, aims to empower communities to resist tyranny and violence.
Through education, outreach, and collaboration, they strive to build a safer and more resilient society. Their campaign, ‘Time to Tell the Truth,’ sheds light on how extremist groups manipulate, deceive, and destroy, while promoting a message of resistance and resilience.
