Fatshimetrie, a name that resonates as a reflection of an implacable reality. Far from political speeches and empty promises, it is on the ground, in communities like Ngoshe, in Borno State, Nigeria, that a human drama is unfolding whose protagonists are innocent people trapped in terror.
The recent events in Ngoshe bear witness to the infinite cruelty of terrorist groups, in this case Boko Haram, who continue to sow terror and death among vulnerable populations. It is not only a kidnapping of fifteen farmers, women, children, and the elderly, it is also an act of barbarity that cost the lives of five innocent people, including Jubril Dada Zarana, a courageous member of the Civilian Joint Force.
The reports of the attack, the harrowing testimonies of survivors, the list of the missing and the deceased, all provide a chilling insight into the daily reality experienced by these communities prey to violence and insecurity. The simple act of going about their agricultural activities, a gesture as banal as it is vital, has become synonymous with danger and constant fear.
Local authorities, despite their commendable efforts, often find themselves overwhelmed by the blind violence of armed groups, leaving residents to fend for themselves, without resources or adequate protection. The deafening silence of governments and NGOs in the face of this humanitarian tragedy further aggravates the situation, condemning these populations to an uncertain and desperate fate.
At a time when Nigeria is celebrating its 64th anniversary of independence, it is cruel to note that for some of its citizens, freedom and dignity remain distant concepts, inaccessible in a world marked by violence and injustice. The sadness and despair that overwhelm the people of Ngoshe and the surrounding villages reflect a brutal reality, where daily life rhymes with fear and loss.
It is time for the international community to mobilize, for political leaders to take responsibility, and for concrete actions to be taken to put an end to this spiral of violence and suffering that consumes innocent lives. Ngoshe and its people deserve better than oblivion and indifference, they deserve to be protected, supported, and accompanied on the path to reconstruction and resilience necessary to heal the deep wounds inflicted by terror.
In this dark time, when the shadow of terror hangs over entire communities, let us remember those who have been victims of the unspeakable, those who are fighting for their survival and dignity, and let us remember that solidarity and humanity must remain the pillars on which we build a fairer and safer future for all. Our duty is not to look away, but to raise the voices of those who cry out in silence, of those who desperately wait for the world to remember that they exist, that they matter, and that they deserve a better future.
Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity, and pledge to never forget those who suffer in the shadows, in the hope that one day, the light of compassion and solidarity will illuminate their path to freedom and redemption.