THE DAY I ESCAPED DEAD FROM BOKO HARAM’ BLAST- By J D. Rimamshong

THE DAY I CHEATED DEAD FROM BOKO HARAM’ BLAST  

It was sure astounding beholding a beautiful city that looks almost unNigeria when as a new comer I went into the city of Maiduguri in the year 2006. The city which according to history became the seat of power in 1967 as the northwest state before the creation of Borno state in 1976 is a piece of elegance, order, neatness and planning. The streets of Maiduguri lined with endless rows and wheel-paved lanes show a carefully structured city with a good sense of aesthetics and orderliness. Compared with other cities in Nigeria, Maiduguri looks extraordinary and portrays what a normal city should be.

In addition to the beauty, the city was truly the epitome of peace and hospitality. I could remember in 2008 when I ran few month professional training with Nigerian Bottling Company plc that, we walked for kilometers from Airport area to the site of NBC plant in middle of the night without fear of been gun down by either BH or the military.

Maiduguri , the citadel of the ancient Borno has a university, a polytechnic, museum, zoological garden, an airport, a naval base, army cantonment, police college and many other major lands marks and monuments. At the campus of the University of Maiduguri, one is confronted with a very conducive atmosphere provided by thousands of trees that make some places in the campus shut out from the sky. The main entrance to the campus conveys the picture of a well-planned academic environment that carries with it an air of a place of a serious business. It was a great experienced to see students on a Sunday evening converge at the university old sport complex for evening fellowship. Mixture of music from different fellowship ranging from Negro, spiritual/pure classical, traditional rhythms, Hallelujah chorus and the contemporary music filled the air.

The beginning of boko Haram activities in the ancient Kanem borno empire was the greatest tragedy that had befall Maiduguri ever. It all began after series of underground or secret killing had been reported on the activities of Boko Haram sect with the millitary. Troops stormed Boko Haram's stronghold in Maiduguri and Yusuf the say sect's Leader was arrested the following day after reportedly being found hiding in his parent-in-law's house. Later Journalist were showns two films- one, Jonathan during his inauguration in month of may, which was marred by the series of deadly bomb blasts apparently showing Yusuf making a confession, the other showing what appeared to be his dead body.

The activities of the sect became imminent after the dead of Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf on July 30 2009 which according to history founded the group in 2002 in maiduguri where in 2004 set up a base in  kanamma, Yobe state called "Afganistan".  From this period of his dead, movement within Maiduguri metropolis became cautioned by continual bomb explosion. It was on this faithful day 27 march 2012 that I left campus to town to purchased Church's gadgets that the dead master walk passed my wall.    

After been through with my intended errand at baba-line, I had to pass through Maiduguri Monday market to shop for my daily bread. On march 27 2012, my attention was caught by the long queue of people stood in front of the UBA bank located at the northern part of Maiduguri largest market. I waited cunningly wondering how long it will take a turn of the last person I saw in that boring queue. The people waited patiently with dignity, though they waited long hours, but that was not the only tragedy. I walked passed them not more than two minutes, as though it were not enough to be hungry and miserable as they were, there came a terrible explosion. Terrible explosion! A shell, guided by the hand of a demon, exploded just a steps away, killing five of those totally innocent, patient, hungry people I saw stood before that bank.

In the first instance, there was utter silence, shock!. Then chaos-crying, screaming, yelling, blood-tangled bodies lying wounded, bleeding, dying, dead.

 In horror and panic some ran away. Some ran towards the massacre, trying to help the wounded. The first car that arrive the scene was that of the Joint Task Force follow by rescuers van. In the first instance, I wanted to run away, hide away from the scene but been familiar with such sound of doom from where I grew, I encouraged myself and drew closer as I behold the military, busy chasing surrounding air. Rescuers literally jumped over the dead bodies trying to put the wounded into the car, even to the boot. First, the seriously wounded, then those with minor injuries and finally the dead were taking away.

That night I could hardly sleep. Sitting, thinking about life, I couldn’t understand why the innocent peoples should have their live ended such terrible way. I understand only that in town in time of war a life is worth absolutely nothing.

 Glory to GOD, I walk pass the evil chemical before it react. I renewed my vow with God that night. Don’t ask me what it is. Filled with sorrow I eventually feel asleep at dawn and awakened by new explosions within the metropolis but now I was already in the campus.