‘How bandits shattered my dreams’— 45-yr-old secondary school teacher recounts ordeal

In a heart-wrenching account of survival and resilience, Mr. Odukunle Israel, a 45-year-old secondary school teacher, shares his harrowing experience at the hands of bandits who shattered his dreams and left him physically scarred. The incident, which occurred on July 3, 2023, in the Saki West Local Government area of Oyo State, serves as a stark reminder of the insecurity plaguing certain regions of Nigeria.

On that fateful day, Mr. Odukunle was en route to his farm with his 13-year-old son, unaware that danger lurked nearby. As he navigated through the terrain on his motorcycle, he encountered a life-altering moment. Two armed bandits armed with machetes and a sword were poised to strike, but a cluster of large stones obstructed his view of the impending threat. The attackers wasted no time. One swift machete blow left Mr. Odukunle incapacitated and his left wrist amputated. His son, sensing the danger, had already fled, leaving his father to confront this brutal assault alone. The assailants showed no mercy, raining blows upon him, inflicting wounds all over his body.

Despite the excruciating pain and the life-threatening situation, Mr. Odukunle exhibited remarkable courage. He asked his attackers, "What do you want from me?" This brave inquiry momentarily deterred them, and they eventually departed with his motorcycle, leaving him severely injured and covered in blood.

After the assailants fled, Mr. Odukunle's son emerged from hiding and rushed to his father's side. With the assistance of a nearby farmer, he managed to transport his father to the Baptist Medical Centre in Saki. The grim scene was compounded when they discovered Mr. Odukunle's severed thumb, which he had hoped could be reattached.

Sadly, the severity of the injuries left no room for optimism. Two other fingers were also damaged beyond repair. Doctors recommended the amputation of his wrist to prevent further complications. Since then, Mr. Odukunle has been in and out of the hospital, struggling to cope with the traumatic physical and emotional aftermath of the attack.

Mr. Odukunle's story is not an isolated incident. While he was on the path to recovery, three similar attacks occurred in the Saki East Local Government area, resulting in the loss of lives and severe injuries. The wave of violence has left the community in a state of fear and distress, and residents are desperately seeking solutions to the constant security breaches in their agrarian town.

Upon reporting the incident to the authorities, Mr. Odukunle's family faced delays in police response. Investigations into the attacks are ongoing, and the community's demand for justice and improved security remains unmet. Local law enforcement and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps have been urged to expedite their efforts to apprehend the bandits responsible for these acts of violence. Mr. Adeola Fehintola, a resident lawyer in the area, expressed deep concern over the recurring attacks and called upon the state government to intervene and provide lasting solutions to the security challenges faced by the community.

Mr. Odukunle Israel's painful ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges faced by many in Nigeria's rural regions. His story underscores the urgent need for improved security measures and government intervention to protect innocent lives and promote stability. Despite the physical and emotional scars he bears, Mr. Odukunle's resilience and determination to overcome this tragedy stand as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.