Jonathan Odikanwa, the father of 19-year-old Paul who was allegedly shot while trying to retrieve his playmates’ ball from a landlord’s compound, shares his grief with CHUKWUDI AKASIKE

How old was your late son?

He was 19 years old and was in JSS 1. He didn’t start school early.

Can you explain the circumstances that led to the shooting of your son?

The incident happened on Monday. I was at home between 1.30pm and 2pm when some people came to my house and introduced themselves as teachers and students of Urban Development Secondary School.

They told me that my son had a problem. When I asked them what kind of problem it was, they were hesitant about what they wanted to say. But I insisted that they tell me exactly what happened.

What did they say?

They said that my son and other students were playing football when their ball went into a neighbour’s compound. My son climbed the fence with the help of other students to retrieve the ball.

In the process, they heard a gunshot, and my son fell from the fence. The other students rushed to where he had fallen. It was then that they noticed he had a bullet wound, and there was blood all over his body. They immediately rushed him to the hospital, and the matter was reported to the school management.

What was your reaction when you heard about the incident?

I went to the hospital, where I met some of the teachers and other staff members of the school. After that, we went to the police station. It was at the police station that I met the man in question.

What did he say?

The police organised a meeting between me and the man. The purpose of the meeting was for him to narrate exactly what happened. He tried to deny it, but it was clear that he shot the boy because the students who were there also gave statements at the police station, confirming that he shot the gun.

Moreover, after shooting the boy, he fired more gunshots sporadically into the air, which indicated that it was deliberate. That was what I was told.

Are you saying the man denied shooting your son?

Yes, the man denied shooting my son. He claimed that he only frightened him and used a polythene bag to make a noise that sounded like a gunshot before my son fell from the fence.

The man also said that while my son fell, a stick on the ground caused an injury to him. But that was a lie because the position of the wound on my son’s buttocks showed that something had pierced through from one side to the other.

What did you tell him during the meeting?

I told him that he should pray for my son to recover. That was my only concern – that my son would get better.

Do you think your son would have survived if he had been rushed to the hospital sooner?

The school authorities were marvelous. Since the school was in session, they immediately took him and rushed him to the hospital. I learned that one of the teachers called her husband, and he rushed down to intervene.

At what point were the police informed about the incident?

The police were alerted, and even before my son arrived at the hospital, policemen were already there. They tried to handle the situation.

Did the doctor tell you about the injuries on your son’s body?

The hospital requested an X-ray, which I paid for. They also conducted a scan, and the report was handed over to the police. But my son continued to feel pain, so the hospital requested another X-ray to check if there were any other injuries.

After that, they were not satisfied with the results and asked me to take him to another laboratory for further examination. They conducted a scan and a chest X-ray, and we returned the results to the hospital.

They said they would check his abdomen to see if he had sustained any internal injuries when he fell. On Wednesday, they took him into surgery, and they said he had a cut in his intestine.

Do you suspect that a bullet may have caused that injury?

I am not a medical expert, but given the height of the wall, if someone falls from it, it could damage their spinal cord, bones, or any part of the body. The impact could cause internal injuries. Also, my son lost a lot of blood.

Is there any plan for an autopsy to be carried out on the deceased?

It is now a police matter, and the government is involved. The school authorities and the State Education Management Board are handling it, and even the Imo State Commissioner for Health has contacted me. They assured me that they are looking into my son’s case, and after he was pronounced dead, I informed the Commissioner for Health about the development. I believe that since it is a police matter, an autopsy will be carried out.

What about the landlord, has he been released or is he still in police custody?

I understand that the matter was transferred from the police station to the Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department, on the order of the state Commissioner for Education or a higher authority. I can’t say for certain, as I am not involved in those details.

How would you describe Paul?

He was a very good boy when he was alive. He was intelligent, respectful, and loved football. Even at his young age, he had football boots and was passionate about the game.

What is the name of the school he attended?

He attended Urban Development Secondary School at World Bank, Owerri, Imo State.

What were his plans for the future before he died?

His plan was to continue his education and possibly learn a trade. After completing his West African Senior School Certificate Examination, he had an interest in learning a trade, either after his basic education or further studies.

What about his mother, why is she not involved in all this?

His mother is deceased.

Has the family of the landlord who allegedly caused your son’s death visited to commiserate with you?

Yes, to be honest, the man’s sister has been contributing to my son’s medical expenses. She hasn’t taken over the costs, but she has been assisting. She has shown a lot of concern.

How would you describe the action of the landlord?

I don’t know how to describe it, but it was an animalistic act. I can’t imagine anyone, especially someone who is about 65 years old, acting in such a way. I feel pain that my son was shot just for going to retrieve a ball from a man’s compound.

Do you want the matter to be taken to court?

At this stage, I don’t have an answer to that.

But you want justice. How do you want it served?

That is… (sobs).

Where are you from?

I am from Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

How old are you?

I am over 70 years old.

What is your message to the police in handling the matter?

Honestly, I commend the Nigeria Police for their swift action. They have been coming to the scene of the incident and visiting me at home. They tried their best to ensure my son survived. I am not familiar with police procedures, but from how they have handled this issue, I believe they are doing well and deserve praise.

Barely 24 hours after surgery, the teenager shot on Monday by a landlord for jumping into his house to retrieve a ball during a game of football in his school field, Paul, has been pronounced dead by the medical team at the Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri.

Paul’s guardian, Mr Jonathan Odikanwa, a septuagenarian, told TheNigerian Metro that his ward passed away on Thursday afternoon.

TheNigerian Metro reported on Wednesday that Paul, 16 years old and a student of Urban Secondary School in the Area N, World Bank Housing area of Owerri had jumped over his school fence to retrieve a ball that entered the yet-to-be-identied landlord’s premises on Monday.

However, the property owner got offended and shot Paul in the waist, leaving him to battle for his life at the hospital.

Odikanwa had on Wednesday appealed to people to pray for the recovery of his ward as he was being wheeled into the theatre to find out where his bowel movements were impeded.

The distraught guardian wailed, “He has passed away. My son has passed away. The doctors just said they lost him. Even after the surgery yesterday (Wednesday), we had been hopeful that he would come around. My boy who had lived with me for over seven years had passed on”, he said in a pained voice.

According to him, the X-ray didn’t show the bullet in the body but doctors had to operate Paul when it was discovered that his bowel movements were impeded.

Though not a biological son of Odikanwa, Paul had lived with the Odikanwas for about eight years running from where he began schooling and was in JSS 1 at Urban Secondary School, Area N, World bank area of Owerri.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the landlord who shot the teenager.

The family of Ajele Oloyede, an operative of the Nigeria Police Force, was plunged into mourning on Thursday following his death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the Igbesa area of Ogun State.

While it remains uncertain whether the deceased’s actions were intentional or accidental, the command informed our correspondent on Sunday that an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Our correspondent learnt that the incident occurred on Thursday at a ceramics company in Igbesa, where the officer had been assigned as part of the company’s security details.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, the incident was discovered by an officer from the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, Tolorunloju Stephen, who was on a special duty at the company.

Stephen had allegedly returned from Ikeja around 1:20 pm and, upon entering the security office at the ceramics company, found Inspector Oloyede with his head resting on a table.

When asked out of concern about his well-being, Oloyede reportedly assured him that he was fine before the two officers exchanged greetings.

The command stated that Stephen proceeded to place his bag and pistol on the table before stepping into the restroom.

Moments later, it was gathered that a gunshot was heard.

 Rushing back, Odutola stated that Stephen allegedly found Inspector Oloyede lying in a pool of blood.

Odutola stated, “With the help of private security personnel, the wounded officer was immediately taken to the Ota General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.

“Police officers visited the scene, and the deceased’s pistol was recovered. His body has been deposited at the Ota General Hospital for autopsy, while we have begun notifying his family.”

She disclosed that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran for further investigation.

In 2018, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, David Agholor, was found dead in his residence on Sheraton Estate, Olaogun, in Ijoko, after allegedly taking his own life.

The former officer, who once led the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad under the Enugu State Police Command, reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The Ogun State Police Command on Sunday announced that it had launched an investigation into the murder of Alfa Mustapha, a 50-year-old farm worker whose lifeless body was discovered on his farm in Ageri Village, near Olodo, Odeda Local Government Area.

The deceased was reportedly shot at close range by an unidentified assailant.

The spokesperson for the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Odutola said that the Chief Imam of Ageri Mosque, Moshood Mustapha, had reported the case to the police outstation in Olodo at about 6:30 pm on Saturday.

According to the report, the deceased had gone to his farm in the morning but failed to return home. Concerned about his whereabouts, the Muslim cleric proceeded to the farm at around 6:02 pm, where he found Mustapha lying face up with his cutlass beside him.

She stated: “Upon receiving the report, police officers from the outstation, led by the officer in charge, visited the scene and confirmed that the victim was lifeless.

“Due to heavy rainfall and poor visibility at night, no immediate signs of violence were detected on the body. The scene was documented with photographs, and the corpse was evacuated to General Hospital, Odeda, for medical examination.

“However, a doctor’s assessment later revealed that the deceased had suffered bullet wounds from pellets, indicating he was shot at close range. The body has since been deposited at the hospital morgue for further forensic examination.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered an intensive investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrator of this crime.

Ogunlowo also assured the public that the command would leave no stone unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.

The CP further urged anyone with useful information that could aid the investigation to come forward, pledging that such information would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

The All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party  have traded accusations over escalating violence in Osun State, which culminated in the killing of a former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Mr. Aderemi Abbas, and six others on Monday.

The crisis was triggered by a contentious Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating APC-elected local government chairmen and councillors.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, had raised an alarm on Sunday, alleging a conspiracy led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and some security agency heads to enforce the ruling.

Adeleke urged the public to hold Oyetola and the state’s security chiefs accountable for any ensuing violence.

Deadly clashes

It was a free-for-all as supporters of the APC and PDP unleashed mayhem on local government secretariats across the state, on Monday, leaving in its wake deaths and injured persons.

In a short video, Abbas, who was elected as chairman in the 2018 election, was seen lying in his pool of blood with an open wound on his head.

A security source present at the scene, who craved anonymity, said Abbas was killed following a bloody clash between party supporters armed with guns, machete among other weapons.

“Today at 11:56am, the APC chairman, Hon Remi Abass, and his men were taking steps to enter local government premises in Ikire. This led to confrontation with PDP members. During the confrontation, many people were wounded with machetes and bullets, and one person was gunned down immediately.”

Similar violence was recorded in other local government areas, as two persons were reportedly shot dead at Iragbiji, the headquarters of Boripe Local Government Area.

It was a similar situation Olaoluwa, and Isokan areas of the state.

Witnesses reported gunfights between rival groups, leaving several people injured.

Two individuals were reportedly shot dead in Iragbiji, Boripe LGA, as APC members attempting to access the council secretariat encountered armed resistance allegedly orchestrated by PDP supporters.

Violence spread to Isokan LGA, where two people were injured in clashes, while in Olaoluwa, another fatal shooting occurred.

In Olorunda LGA, APC members’ attempts to take over the council secretariat were met with resistance, prompting heavy police presence to restore order.

Hoodlums armed with charms and weapons were seen intimidating bystanders, smashing phones of those recording the chaos.

In Ikoyi, Osun APC members had gone to secretariat in Isokan to resume and while on the premises, it was learnt some PDP members arriving in the area, engaged them in bloody clashes during which two people were injured.

In Bode Osi, the headquarters of Olaoluwa Local Government Area, there was reported a shooting which claimed the life of a man, whose identity could not be immediately ascertained.

Gunshots were heard at the gate of Osogbo Central Local Government Area, Oke Baale, Osogbo early as PDP, APC members clashed in an attempt to enter the council secretariat.

While the shooting lasted, Osogbo/Ibokun road that passes the front of the local government secretariat was deserted.

In Atakumosa West Local Government Secretariat, ex-member of Osun State House of Assembly, Festus Komolafe, led elected APC members into the premises.

They however came out a few minutes after.

In Egbedore Local Government secretariat, Awo, PDP members wielding cane were singing at the entrance to the secretariat, daring APC members to come near them.

 In Ayedaade LGA, APC members, it was learnt, resumed at the secretariat located in Gbongan.

 But members of the party that attempted to take over Olorunda local government secretariat, in Igbona, Osogbo were resisted, leading to tension in the area.

The Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, Mr. Remi Omowaiye, alleged an attack on his convoy near Ilesa West secretariat by PDP thugs. Omowaiye claimed his driver was injured by a bullet, and two security aides sustained injuries. The vehicles in his convoy were riddled with bullets.

Omowaiye said, “PDP-sponsored thugs attacked us, despite intelligence warning us to avoid the secretariat. My office in Ilesa West is currently under attack by these hoodlums. This must not continue.”

IG deploys tactical squads

Reacting to the violence, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered additional tactical squads to Osun State.

In a statement by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the police condemned the violence, describing it as a threat to democracy and public safety.

“In response to the ongoing violence in Osun State, the Nigeria Police Force has condemned, in strong terms, the incidents that have disrupted peace and safety in the state, and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. These violent actions had disrupted the peace, leading to the destruction of property, and the unfortunate loss of innocent lives,” the statement read.

In response, Adejobi said the IGP has directed the immediate reinforcement of security in the affected areas.

According to him, the newly deployed tactical squads would work alongside existing security operatives to restore law and order.

He vowed that the police would identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

“Violence undermines the democratic process and threatens the well-being of citizens. Perpetrators will face the full weight of the law,” the statement continued.

The IGP also issued a stern warning against further acts of lawlessness, hooliganism, and anarchy, assuring residents that security operatives would clamp down on anyone attempting to disrupt public peace.

“The Force will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and stability of Osun State. Those responsible for these criminal acts will be tracked down and made to face justice. Citizens must remain calm as normalcy is being restored.”

“The situation in Osun will be closely monitored, and all necessary measures will be enforced to ensure a safe environment for all residents,” the statement concluded.

Parties’ casualties, accusations

The immediate past Special Adviser on Education to the former governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, Mr. Jamiu Olawumi, alongside Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Mr. Bayo Adeleke, and former Special Adviser on Civic Engagement Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, expressed deep sorrow over recent violence and loss of lives in Osun State.

Olawumi lamented, saying, “It is heartbreaking that we lost our people in Irewole, Isokan, and Ola-Oluwa local governments. The Chairman for Irewole Local Government, Hon. Remi Abass, was killed while crossing the Ibadan-Ife expressway on his way to resume at the council office. Additionally, a councilor in Isokan was murdered, and people in Iragbiji, Osogbo, and Olorunda were attacked.

“The Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Engr. Remi Omowaiye, narrowly escaped an ambush at Omi-Aladie near Ilesa West. His vehicles were riddled with close to 45 bullet holes. In Ife-East, a PDP thug shot someone in the leg, and in Ife-South, the council chairman was barred from entering his office due to the presence of militants and thugs. Is this the constitution and oath of office the governor swore to uphold?”

The Osun State chapter of the PDP condemned what it described as “brutal and coordinated attacks” allegedly carried out by APC hoodlums, with claims of armed security agents aiding the opposition.

The PDP Director of Media, Oladele Bamiji, stated that the party lost five members and had over 50 injured across the state. Local government areas worst affected include Boripe, Olaoluwa, Isokan, and Ilesa West.

“In Boripe, particularly in Iragbiji and Aagba, two PDP members were gruesomely murdered, and over 20 sustained injuries while preparing for a rally. These attacks were orchestrated to instill fear and suppress the democratic rights of the people of Boripe, home to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola,” Bamiji said.

Eyewitnesses reported that APC thugs targeted PDP strongholds, disrupted activities, and attacked peaceful party members. The attacks involved indiscriminate shooting at supporters, leaving many families devastated.

“In Olaoluwa Local Government, two more PDP members were killed, and several others suffered gunshot wounds. In Isokan, APC thugs attacked our members, leaving Prince Wahab, a PDP leader, injured. Similarly, in Ilesa West, APC thugs, allegedly led by former Commissioner for Works Oluremi Omowaiye and APC chairmanship candidate Tobi Famurewa, opened fire at a PDP rally, injuring several people, including Hon. Tunde Ẹjẹ and Hon. Kasali,” Bamiji added.

The PDP also accused some security personnel of either participating in or turning a blind eye to these attacks, raising concerns about state security agencies’ complicity.

During a heated debate on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Osun Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Kolapo Alimi, and APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, clashed over the violence.

Alimi claimed six lives were lost and blamed the APC for the chaos. “The governor has directed everyone to stay away from local government offices. Despite this, five PDP members were killed, and several others were injured. We urge the President to intervene and bring peace to Osun,” he said.

Basiru, however, accused the PDP of orchestrating the violence. “What happened today in Osun is carnage. Our chairman, Hon. Remi Abass, was murdered in cold blood by PDP thugs. Another member was brutally attacked. This is not politics; it’s barbaric,” he said emotionally.

The Osun State National Assembly caucus accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of colluding with security agents to disrupt local government operations. They alleged that sacked council officials, aided by security personnel, forcefully took over local government offices, despite a court ruling upholding their dismissal.

Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Hon. Salam said, “Osun residents woke up to a criminal takeover of local government offices by sacked officials, accompanied by thugs and sporadic gunfire. These acts threaten the peace enjoyed under Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.”

The caucus called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging the National Security Adviser and Attorney General to advise the APC on the illegality of their actions and ensure peace in the state.

“Despite a scheduled local government election, the APC has resorted to violence and lawlessness, disrupting the peace of the state. These actions are barbaric and unjustifiable,” Salam concluded.

Davido blames police

Afrobeat star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, criticised the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, for the crisis in the state.

Via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Davido, who is a nephew of Governor Adeleke, accused the Osun CP of failing to uphold the rule of law.

In a series of strongly worded posts, written in a mix of English and Pidgin, Davido lashed out at the commissioner, warning him against biased actions.

“Mr Commissioner, respect the rule of law!!! I will post you every day everywhere, Mr man!!! Try me,” he wrote.

In another tweet, he added, “Mr Umar Abba, Osun State Commissioner, you are a disgrace to your children!!! Game on.”

The body of Reverend Bala Galadima, an Evangelical Church Winning All Pastor tragically killed by unknown gunmen in Lubo District, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, was on Tuesday laid to rest in his hometown, Lano.

The funeral service which took place at ECWA Church Lano, was marked by deep sorrow and emotional tributes, where the community gathered to bid farewell to the late clergyman.

Leading the official government delegation was the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Jatau, who conveyed the heartfelt condolences of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the people of the state.

Jatau extended sympathies to the deceased’s immediate family, the Christian community, and the entire Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.

He urged all to accept the death as an act of God and called for calm, asking the ECWA leadership to avoid quick judgement and speculation or assumptions until the facts were clear.

In his address, Jatau noted that while the killing of a clergyman was a tragic incident, there was no conclusive evidence linking the act to a particular group, religious or tribal.

He recalled similar past incidents where the perpetrators were later found to be members of the same group, tribe or religion.

Jatau further directed the security agencies to leave no stone unturned in apprehending those responsible for the killing and ensure they face justice. He urged leaders to exercise restraint and patience in handling such sensitive matters to prevent the situation from escalating.

“I appeal to you as leaders to be patient, calm and avoid reaching conclusions until the culprits are arrested. You could recall some time ago when a pastor was killed and it was later discovered that the culprits are members of the same church. Just recently, there were killings in Kuri town, Yamaltu -Deba Local Government and the general notion was that it was Fulani herdsmen but it was later discovered that the culprits are not in any way Fulani people,” he added.

The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Father Joseph Alphonsus Shinga, along with the ECWA Chairman, North-East One, Reverend Isa Uba, and Gombe DCC Chairman, Rev Dr Adamu Dauda, also expressed their condolences and reminded the Christian community to view the incident as part of the challenges faced by believers. They emphasised that such tragedies were a reminder of the need to trust in God’s plan.

The CAN chairman reassured the community that the state government shared in their grief and was committed to ensuring the arrest of the perpetrators. The DCC Chairman expressed gratitude for the prompt response of the government and security agencies following the tragic incident.

The escalating communal crisis between Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State claimed another life on Thursday, as a student of Westland Polytechnic, Ilobu, was reportedly shot dead.

According to the National President of the Ilobu-Asake Development Union, Mr Olufemi Salako, the incident occurred around 11 am when armed assailants allegedly from Ifon-Osun stormed the Ganga and Oke-Ima areas of Ilobu, shooting indiscriminately.

Salako said the killing occurred before the announcement of the curfew by the governor, Ademola Adeleke.

The statement partly read, “The people of Ilobu hereby use this medium to report to the Osun State Government, Security Agencies and the world at large that hoodlums and invaders from Ifon-Osun have on today, Thursday, 16th January afternoon, killed a student of the Department of Computer Science, Westland Polytechnic Ilobu.

“The attackers this afternoon shot an innocent and harmless student of the Polytechnic located at Oke-Ima area of Ilobu. The armed-to-teeth hoodlums stormed Ganga and Oke-Ima on Thursday morning around 11 am and started shooting at every living and non-living object sighted by them and the student, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, is one of their victims.

“For emphasis, Oke-Ima is less than two kilometres from the Palace of Olobu of Ilobu and the community houses eminent personalities, including the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuff. This is to show that the invaders knowingly entered into the inner streets of Ilobu.”

Calling on the Osun State Government to immediately summon Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Ipadeola, to answer for the killings and destruction of properties perpetrated, Salako said the patience and endurance of the Ilobu community was being stretched to breaking point.

When contacted for reaction, Secretary of the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union, Jide Akinyooye, dismissed the allegations, saying hoodlums from Ilobu had seized and destroyed three motorcycles belonging to residents of Ifon.

“They are not being truthful. We didn’t go to their town. Hoodlums sent from Ilobu today seized and destroyed 3 motorcycles belonging to Ifon people. Our people in Ifon didn’t go to Ilobu to attack anyone.

“Security agencies should look into the allegations with a view to arresting the perpetrators. For emphasis’ sake, I can tell you that we didn’t attack or shoot anyone. Hoodlums from Ilobu should be asked questions regarding whatever incident that happened,” Akinyooye said.

Efforts to obtain a statement from the Osun State Police Command proved unsuccessful as calls to the Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, went unanswered.

A response to a text message sent to her was still pending at the time of this report.

A final year student at the School of Health, Makarfi, Zaria, Baraka Abdulkarim, speaks with AYOOLA OLASUPO about her abduction and how she survived horrifying conditions in captivity

Which school do you attend?

I’m a 400-level student at the School of Health, Makarfi, in Zaria.

How old are you, and which state are you from?

I’m 26 years old now. I’m from Oyo State. My dad is from Ogbomoso, but my mum is from Oyo Town. I can say I’m from Ogbomoso Ayilara, but we stay in Oke-Elerin, and we always go home.

Could you describe the events leading to your abduction?

I was coming back from school in Zaria and heading to Funtua, which is in Katsina State. When I got to the park, no taxi was available. So, I decided to take a car along the road. Another woman, who had six children, also joined me. When we got to a village called Maraba Maska, the driver stopped, claiming the fuel had finished and that he would call another car for us to board. We had to enter the new car.

When did this happen?

It happened on December 1, 2024.

How many passengers were in the new car?

There were four of them; three passengers and the driver. None of them were female, and they were all Fulani. The seats inside the car were insufficient, and it was already 6pm. So, the woman and I entered while the children sat on our laps. Another man also joined us. When we reached Funtua Junction, where I was supposed to alight, I informed the driver, but he ignored me.

He drove past the junction, and we started shouting. That was when the passengers who had pretended to be fellow travellers brought out their guns. We didn’t even know they had guns, as they had concealed them. The car continued moving until we reached a point where there were soldiers.

How did you feel when you realised you had been kidnapped?

Before they brought out their guns, the man sitting beside me asked me to shift a bit. After I did, they then revealed their guns. I was scared, and the woman, the children, and I started shouting. They didn’t seem bothered by our cries, saying that even if the soldiers saw us, they wouldn’t do anything and nobody would come to our aid. The strange part was seeing an airplane flying over the forest every morning, and the kidnappers would mockingly say that it wouldn’t help us.

Did the soldiers notice what was happening?

We were shouting, but the soldiers didn’t notice anything. They didn’t realise what was going on until we passed them. Then the kidnappers ordered us to get out of the car, and we complied. I saw the Fulani men holding AK-47 rifles.

How did you know it was an AK-47?

I can recognise some guns when I see them. I’ve seen them in foreign action movies. They asked us to leave, and we began trekking into the forest. We walked from that night until around 5am the next morning. When we reached their destination, they instructed us to enter a thatched hut in the middle of the forest. On the way, they killed two of the woman’s children.

Why did they kill the two children?

They said the children weren’t moving fast enough. So, they shot and killed them before we reached the hut. They also shot a fat woman in the leg because she couldn’t walk quickly. They wanted to abandon her, but one of them insisted they shouldn’t. It seemed they didn’t tolerate slow movement in the forest. After trekking for more than an hour, we heard gunshots from soldiers. The kidnappers told us the soldiers would not leave their positions and would only shoot into the air.

What happened when you entered the thatched hut?

They tied our hands and legs with big chains and padlocked them. This was done to all of us, even the children. They chained one hand and one leg together and padlocked it. I couldn’t sleep until daybreak because the chains caused severe pain, and I developed scars. We thought we would be given food and water in the morning, but none came until the night.

They sarcastically asked if we wanted tea. A man who had been kidnapped with us said yes, unaware that their “tea” meant a severe beating. They beat him mercilessly. The kidnappers didn’t stay in the same hut as us. They had another hut where they lived with their young wives, who were between 12 and 14 years old. The leader of the kidnappers looked about 20 years old. They were all young.

Were you later given any food?

They gave us the shaft left after grinding and sieving maize. They also asked us to cut small roots, place money on them, and burn them with a lighter to make a fire.

Do you mean they were burning money?

Yes, they placed bundles of N1,000 notes and honey on the roots before lighting them. I’m unsure if the notes were real. They used this fire to prepare the maize chaff, which they gave us once a day. They rationed water too, giving us a Fanta bottle’s quantity to share among three people.

How many of you were kidnapped from the bus?

We were 10 in total; six children and four adults. Inside the hut, we urinated, and defecated on our bodies. We couldn’t bathe as we were chained. I even started and finished my menstruation in captivity.

Were the kidnappers aware that you were menstruating?

Yes, they were. Once I started menstruating, they stopped coming to our hut. The other woman said menstrual blood could neutralise their charms. I was supposed to menstruate for three days, but it lasted 10 days due to anxiety.

How were you cleaning yourself during that period?

I couldn’t. My hands and legs were tied, so the blood dried on my body along with the urine and faeces. There was no way to clean up.

How long did you stay in the kidnappers’ den?

I was there for 13 days

Can you recall the location where you were held?

No, but they often went to a nearby village called Na-Kutsa to buy items and charge their phones. They would ask me to transfer music and videos to their memory cards because they didn’t know how to do it themselves.

When did they contact your family for ransom?

After four days, they asked if I knew my mum’s number. I gave them my maternal uncle’s number instead, as my mum was in the hospital awaiting surgery. They took me to a spot with network service, and I called my uncle. He confirmed the situation after speaking with the kidnappers.

How much did they demand?

Initially, they demanded N20m. My uncle said there was no way we could raise that amount. They reduced it to N3m, two motorcycles, two smartphones with three cameras, and N50,000 worth of Airtel recharge cards.

Did your uncle take the ransom to the kidnappers?

He didn’t take the money to them by himself. He sent one of his guys. You can’t believe that the guy who went with the ransom is still with them. They didn’t release him after giving them the money, saying we would have to pay another ransom to set him free. We are running helter-skelter now to raise the money.

They asked me if I knew the guy and I said no. The way those people collect the ransom is that when anybody takes the money to them, they will ask the person to put the money on the floor and cross over it three times. After that, they asked the person to pack the sand under his feet and pour it on the money. After that, the kidnappers would touch the money. So, they told me that the ransom had been paid and that it was already 9pm, saying they would release me if I wanted to go that night or stay with them till daybreak.

I said they should release me now but they were saying that if they released me that night, I might fall into the hands of another set of kidnappers. But I insisted that they should release me that night. So, they took me on their bike and passed through the forest without the lights on. We fell off the bike three times. There is a spot on my leg where I got hurt by the bike’s silencer.

When we got to the end of the thick bush, they released me at that spot around 10pm. I was not wearing shoes but they showed me the way and told me to go straight. That was how I started running until I got to a point far from where I was left. I saw a house there and I entered. I saw a man with his children reciting the Quran. As I entered the place, I fell and started crying. Then the man said he knew what had happened and that I should not say anything.

Did the man help you?

I used the man’s phone to call my mum and I told her that I had been released. So, the man told her about my location and she pleaded with him to take me to my uncle’s place in Yankara very close to that place. When we got to my uncle’s place, they took me to the hospital immediately to carry out a general check-up.

There is a card they always give at the hospital that if they write bandit on top of it, any medicine or tests to be given and carried out will be free. They did the tests for me but the problem is that whenever I scratch my body, rashes will come out. Recently, something came out of my eye. So, I had to go to the hospital. My eye surgery is in a few days now.

How was the moment like for you in the kidnappers’ den?

I was asking myself if I would ever see my mum again. A lot of things were coming to my mind at that moment. I thought that if my mum cooked tuwo for us at home, I might decide not to eat it, but I was in captivity eating the chaff from maize with soup or anything. My dad is late and my other sister is going for eye surgery.

I did not even know if my mum wouldn’t develop hypertension because she only gave birth to the two of us. I was kidnapped and my sister was in an operation room for her eye surgery and we are not even sure if she’s going to see again with the eye.

How are you coping with the trauma?

I haven’t slept properly since. I attend therapy every three days and keep praying for strength. I’m thankful to God for my life, my family’s support, and the opportunity to seek my mum’s forgiveness.

How is your mum feeling now?

Thank God, she’s getting better now since I came back a few days ago.

Have you gone for therapy to deal with your trauma?

Yes. There is one I’m attending every three days because even now, I’ve not been able to sleep for three hours. When I sleep at home, I’ll wake up around 2am or 3am. So, I’ll be praying because I won’t be able to sleep again. I have to continue to thank God because it is only Him who can do this for someone.

Right now, I’ve started imagining some things in my head. I used to remember the experience every time. There was a day I was talking to my mum and she told me they gave N50,000 to the alfas at the mosque in Funtua to pray for me. On the day they started the prayer, the kidnappers came to wake me up and said they saw all the prayers my people were doing at home.

What are you thankful to God for?

The first one is that I thank God that I have a supportive family because my dad’s family contributed a lot.  Secondly, I’ve wronged my mum a lot to the extent that I don’t know that she’s someone that I should not even hurt or did anything that would make her unhappy.

So, when I was there, I regretted everything I had done, all the bad things I had done to her. I thought that if I could see her now, I would look for her forgiveness and make her happy. My colleagues in school also contributed a lot.