My wife gave birth during the attack on Madagali

From where did you come to Yola?I worked and lived in Gwoza with my family until the attack of August 5, which sent many of us running away from the town. I managed to escape to Madagali, where my wife later joined me with our three children.One day, my wife who was pregnant complained of […]

From where did you come to Yola?
I worked and lived in Gwoza with my family until the attack of August 5, which sent many of us running away from the town. I managed to escape to Madagali, where my wife later joined me with our three children.
One day, my wife who was pregnant complained of stomach ache and we went to the hospital. We were told she was going to have the baby within a short time. So I sat outside the labour room waiting for good news. But some minutes later, a gun battle broke out between troops and Boko Haram members who trying to take over the town.
That was how I left my wife in labour at a hospital, in a strange land, and ran into the bush. Every day was another story of Boko Haram conquest, meaning we had to keep moving ahead of them and away from my family.
When we arrived Uba, we thought the insurgents would be halted in their advance but that did not happen. After they sacked Michika, Baza and Izge, we took off to Yola.
Have you heard from your wife and the children?
No I have not. The last time I spoke to my wife was before she was wheeled into the labour room in Madagah. I don’t even know where they are presently. May be they have left Madagali or they are still there. I was told she gave birth to a baby boy about 17 days ago.
What name did you give the baby?
I don’t know if it has been named and I don’t know what the name is. I think what is important to me at this moment is to set my eyes on my family and I know they are out somewhere desperately trying to get a word from me or see me. I can’t imagine the trouble my wife is going through looking after a young baby and three other children in a place that she does not know and with no money or support. Whenever I remember all these things, I get sick.