Boko Haram: Terrorism Survivor Shares His Story of Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Abdullahi Hurso Bashir, a former councilor of Marte Local Government Area in Borno State, shared his heartbreaking story of survival and resilience in the face of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Bashir’s life changed forever when his community was attacked in 2014, forcing him to flee and become internally displaced.

Ahmed Mustapha, spokesperson for The Truth Alliance, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) committed to exposing the evil agenda and countering the narratives of Boko Haram terrorists and separatist groups such as the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Ansaru, made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday.

Despite numerous challenges, including abduction by Boko Haram and the loss of his livelihood, the statement said, Bashir remains determined to rebuild his life.

Thanks to the support of organizations like the Neem Foundation and CARE International, she has found hope and a sense of security.

Mustapha said Bashir’s story is just one of many stories of survival and resilience in Borno State, highlighting the urgent need for continued humanitarian assistance and effective security measures to restore stability and hope in the lives of many people.

Part of the statement reads: “In conflict-torn Borno State, where the Boko Haram insurgency has ravaged communities since 2009, Abdullahi Hurso Bashir’s story is a testament to resilience and survival. Once a local councilor in Marte Local Government Area, Bashir’s life took a dramatic turn when escalating Boko Haram attacks 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 shareholders. As an advisor, I was already a target,” Bashir recalls. Displaced and deprived of his livelihood, Bashir’s attempt to rebuild his life as an internally displaced person (IDP) has been fraught with challenges. “Farming, which is our biggest concern, especially in Mars, where we come from, is no longer possible.”

Despite the adversity, Bashir has adapted by engaging in small-scale farming and other activities, though without the tranquility he once knew.

His ordeal took an even darker turn when Boko Haram kidnapped him, suspecting him of collaborating with the army.

“Four of them pointed guns at me while I was making a phone call on the side of the road. I was suspected of collaborating with the army,” he recalls of the chilling moment when his life hung in the balance. Fortunately, a thorough examination of his phone revealed no incriminating evidence.

Bashir’s survival in captivity was due in part to a Boko Haram member recognizing him as a local driver, leading to an exchange of phone numbers and a dire warning not to escape.

Bashir was planning to flee to Lagos for safety, but was stopped by a sudden power outage in Borno.

Despite the trauma of his kidnapping and the ongoing instability, Bashir remains determined to build a better future. With the support of organizations like the Neem Foundation and CARE International, he finds hope.
“They improved our relationships… and helped us protect our children from the darker elements inside the camp,” Bashir notes.

“Abdullahi Hurso Bashir’s story is one of countless stories of survival, resilience and the pursuit of peace in Borno State. His experiences underscore the urgent need for continued humanitarian assistance and effective security measures to restore stability and hope in displaced communities,” the statement further noted.

According to Mustapha, The Truth Alliance is dedicated to uncovering the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. He said that through education, awareness, and collaboration, they strive to build a safer and more resilient society. Their campaign, “Time to Tell the Truth,” aims to expose how extremist groups manipulate, deceive, and destroy, promoting a message of resistance and resilience.

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