From Lagos Island to a life on the run: A story of survival

My name is Nofiu Wasiu Taiwo, born on April 26, 1985, in Lagos Island, Lagos State. I come from a humble background and am the second of six children born to my parents, Bakare Nofiu Taiwo and Asubiaro Idayat Abiola.

Right from my early years, life has been challenging. I attended Army Children School, Dodan Barracks, Obalende, Lagos, from 1991 to 1997 for my primary education. I then proceeded to Government College, Ikoyi, Lagos, where I completed my secondary education in 2003. However, my parents could not afford to support my ambitions further, so I became a furniture apprentice under Bello Muniru for seven years, from 2003 to 2010.

After completing my apprenticeship, I struggled to establish my own furniture business due to financial constraints. In 2011, I moved to Ikorodu, Lagos, where my aunt, Shakirat Edema, took me in. With her support, I started working as a motorbike rider to save money for my dream. My diligence earned me a living, and I was able to support my parents, wife, and two sons—Nofiu Adisa Ismail and Nofiu Alabi Hamid.

In February 2023, I began a daily job transporting two vigilantes to Ita Oluwo farm. On June 10, 2023, during one of my routine trips, a deadly confrontation occurred between the vigilantes and bandits. Gunshots erupted, and I barely escaped with my life. The next day, I received a call from an unknown person threatening to kill me for bringing the vigilantes to the farm. Fear gripped me, but I cautiously continued with my work.

Then, on July 1, 2023, tragedy struck when my aunt, Shakirat, was brutally shot dead in her home. Her death shattered me, as she had been my support system since I arrived in Ikorodu. Realising the threat to my life was real, I fled to my father’s house in Lagos Island, seeking safety. However, the threats followed me, and on July 10, 2023, the bandits kidnapped my maternal uncle, Ganiu Willoughby, and killed him. He had only been visiting my father for two days before they took his life.

Desperate for help, I reported the threats to the police, but all I was told was to “watch my movements” because the bandits had informants everywhere. Fearing for my life, I fled to Ibadan, Oyo State, to seek refuge. My friend, Muri Ajibare, introduced me to an agent, Mr. Kenny. With their help, I applied for a visa and escaped Nigeria in August 2023, leaving behind my wife and children in a desperate bid for survival.

Now, I am far from my family, but the fear for my life has left me with no other choice. My aunt and uncle are dead, and I remain a target for reasons beyond my control.