A Heroic Act During a Tragic Attack
During a recent attack by insurgents in Borno State, a security operative at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) played a crucial role in preventing suicide bombers from entering the hospital. His actions saved countless lives and highlighted the importance of vigilance and preparedness in high-risk areas.
On Monday, March 16, at around 7:21 pm, after the Magrib prayer, multiple explosions occurred simultaneously at the Monday Market Roundabout, the Post Office, and the gate of UMTH. These attacks resulted in at least 25 deaths and numerous injuries. At the UMTH gate, suspected suicide bombers detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) hidden in food containers strapped to their bodies, killing five people on the spot and injuring dozens.
Ali Musa Buba, a 27-year-old father of three from Izge town in Gwoza LGA, recounted how he prevented the bombers from entering the hospital. As part of his job, he was responsible for screening individuals entering the hospital and had received training on crisis response and safety protocols.
On that day, three individuals arrived on a tricycle. One wore a facemask, while another wore a face cap, obscuring their faces. They approached the gate at high speed, prompting Buba’s suspicion. He asked them to leave, but they attempted to force their way in again. When they tried a different route, Buba intervened and stopped them, demanding an explanation for their persistence.
Two of the individuals alighted from the tricycle, and the one with the face cap threw a food container at Buba, which exploded upon impact. Buba immediately took cover as trained, and the blast injured several people, including an Almajiri boy and a female colleague. The second bomber, wearing a facemask, detonated his bomb, killing himself instantly.
Buba was severely injured, sustaining a leg injury from the explosion. Despite his condition, he managed to recite the Kalimatul Shahada before being evacuated to the hospital. Upon regaining consciousness, he expressed gratitude to Allah for his survival, acknowledging the loss of many others.
Buba joined the private security company just a month before the incident and had not yet received his first salary. Prior to this, he worked as a tailor and a part-time motorcyclist in Izge, Borno state. Due to rising insecurity in the area, he moved to Maiduguri in search of employment to support his family.
The government has announced free treatment for all victims, but Buba emphasized the need for additional support. “We are grateful for the assistance, but we still need more because we are breadwinners and cannot work while confined to hospital beds,” he said.
Malma Bulama Modu, a 53-year-old porter at UMTH, also suffered severe injuries during the blast. He sustained multiple fractures on both legs and was trapped under debris. “I gave up hope of surviving due to the severity of my injuries,” he said. Although the government has provided some assistance, Modu is still awaiting further tests and surgery.
His wife, Malama Ummu Muhammad, shared the family’s distress after learning about the incident. “We were terrified when we heard the blasts and feared the worst,” she said. After confirming her husband’s survival, they rushed to the hospital but were initially denied entry.
The Borno State Government has pledged to support all victims, with Governor Babagana Umar Zulum assuring residents that the worst days are over. “Insha’Allah, Borno State will not fall into the hands of Boko Haram again,” he stated, expressing sympathy for the families of the deceased and urging calm among the people.
Personal Stories of Survival and Suffering
Buba and Modu’s experiences reflect the broader challenges faced by communities in Borno State. Both men, despite their injuries, remain hopeful for recovery and better opportunities. Their stories underscore the resilience of individuals caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflicts.
For Buba, the dream of securing a stable job remains central to his future. “My main concern is to get a job after I recover, as my current salary is insufficient to support my family,” he said. For Modu, the immediate goal is to regain mobility and return to his family.
Their narratives highlight the human cost of violence and the urgent need for long-term solutions. While the government has taken steps to provide medical care and support, more must be done to address the systemic issues that continue to affect the region.
As the community works to rebuild, the courage of individuals like Buba and Modu serves as a reminder of the strength and determination required to overcome adversity.
