Lami Kwasu, a farmer in the village of Kafanchan in Kaduna State, north-central Nigeria, was going about her usual evening routine when she heard the sound of gunshots. At first, she thought it was just another clash between rival groups in the area. But as the sound grew louder and more intense, she knew something was terribly wrong.
As she stepped out of her house, she saw that the village was under attack. Gunmen, suspected to be Fulani nomadic herders, had surrounded the village and were shooting from different angles. Panic and chaos had taken over as the villagers tried to find a safe place to hide.
In that moment of fear and uncertainty, Lami’s maternal instincts kicked in. She quickly placed her three-year-old son on her back and started running towards the nearest shelter. With each step, she prayed for their safety and for the violence to end.
The attack on Kafanchan village was one of many that have been happening in the region in recent years. The conflict between Fulani herders and farmers has been ongoing, with both sides suffering casualties and displacement. However, this particular attack was one of the deadliest, leaving many families devastated and traumatized.
Despite the chaos and destruction, Lami refused to give up. She knew that she had to stay strong for her son and for her community. As a farmer, she had always been resilient and hardworking, and she was determined to not let this tragedy defeat her.
After the attack, Lami and her family were forced to flee their village and seek refuge in a nearby town. The journey was long and treacherous, but they finally found safety in a crowded camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs). It was not an ideal situation, but Lami was grateful that they were alive and together.
In the midst of the chaos and displacement, Lami’s determination and resilience shone through. She refused to let the circumstances define her and instead, she focused on finding a way to provide for her family. With the help of other women in the camp, she started a small vegetable garden to grow food for her family and to sell to other IDPs.
Despite the challenges of living in a crowded camp, Lami and the other women worked tirelessly to make their garden a success. They shared their knowledge and skills, and soon enough, their garden was thriving. Not only were they able to provide for their families, but they also started selling their produce to the local market, bringing in a small income for themselves.
Lami’s determination and hard work caught the attention of the local authorities, who were impressed by her resilience and leadership. They offered her a piece of land to start her own farm, and with their support, she was able to expand her operations and provide for even more people in the camp.
Today, Lami’s farm is a thriving business, and she has become a role model for many women in her community. She has not only overcome the trauma of the attack but has also turned it into an opportunity to rebuild her life and help others in need.
Lami’s story is just one of many in the village of Kafanchan and other conflict-affected communities in Nigeria. Despite the challenges they face, the people of these communities refuse to be defined by their circumstances. They are determined to rise above the violence and rebuild their lives, one step at a time.
The attack on Kafanchan village was a tragic event, but it also brought out the best in people like Lami. It showed the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and how even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and a chance for a better tomorrow.
As we look back on that fateful evening in October 2020, let us remember Lami and the other brave women and men who refused to be victims and instead, became heroes. Let us also remember that in the face of adversity, there is always a glimmer of hope, and with determination and hard work, we can overcome any challenge.
