ShareFour months after one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent memory struck the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, signs of life are gradually returning. Through the stories of survivors, Musa Umar Bologi, who visited the community, chronicles the painful journey from displacement, loss and trauma to recovery and renewed hope. Fatima Bio sat beneath the shade where she sold local delicacies in Woro, an agrarian community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. For years, the business had sustained her and her six children, providing a steady source of income. On a good day, she made sales of more than ₦45,000, a livelihood she considered a blessing. But everything changed when terrorists invaded their area reportedly killing dozens of people across affected communities. Like many residents, Fatima fled for her life, abandoning her home, business, and possessions. After spending several weeks in New Bussa, Niger State, she finally returned to her ancestral home. Her return, like that of hundreds of other displaced residents, followed sustained military operations and security interventions that restored a measure of peace to the area. “I might not have recovered everything I lost, but I am picking up the pieces of my life,” Fatima said as she cradled her three-month-old baby and attended to customers at her modest food stall. “Before the attack by armed men, I used to sell out my food before noon. Now, it is already 2 p.m., and I haven’t sold even half of what I prepared. Although people are gradually returning, the market has yet to fully recover. But thank God the village is peaceful again, thanks to presence of the soldiers.” The gradual return of residents has also been aided by initiatives undertaken by the Kwara State Government, including the deployment of forest guards and enhanced support for local vigilante groups, measures that have helped reverse the tide of insecurity in the region. Like Fatima, Fausat Bello, a soft drink and vegetable trader, is gradually rebuilding her life; even though she is still recovering from the trauma of the attacks and the painful memories, she remains hopeful about the future. The return of relative peace has enabled her to resume her business and reconnect with her means of livelihood. Although economic activities have yet to fully recover, Fausat believes that stability will eventually restore the community’s vibrancy and help residents regain what they lost. “Business is still slow because many people have not yet returned,” said Fausat, looking towards the crates of soft drinks piling in front of her shop. “We are simply managing to survive. We fled the village after the attack and only recently returned from where we sought refuge. “My parents advised us to leave Woro permanently, but this is where I earn my livelihood. My husband also built our home here. There is nowhere else for us to go. “Our prayer is that, as peace gradually returns, more people will come back and life will begin to improve again. We hope the village will return to its former state, where peace and tranquillity prevailed.” She recalled that Woro was once a vibrant and prosperous community, where indigenes and visitors coexisted peacefully and pursued their livelihoods without fear. “Before the incident, this village was home to both indigenes and visitors, and everyone went about their daily activities without fear,” Fausat said. “Businesses were thriving, religious gatherings were taking place, weddings were being planned, and life was moving on normally. In fact, many people had made plans to celebrate Sallah in grand style this year. …
