Once Upon A Lake

By Abdulkareem Haruna

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful lake that was a haven for fishermen.

The locals would cast their nets and spend their days on the water, catching fish for their families and community.

The lake was a source of joy and sustenance for all who lived nearby and those who journeyed from afar.

But over time, things began to change. The fish in the lake began to disappear, and the fishermen struggled to make ends meet—no thanks to human interference and altering climate.

Desperation set in, and some turned to more extreme measures to survive.

Suddenly, the lake became a breeding ground for terrorism. Where fishermen would cast their nets and drag out fish now become up a dragnet for violent extremism.

Extremist groups set up shops, using the area as a base to plan and carry out acts of violence. The peaceful hinterlands of Baga, Krenoa, Kauwa, Monguno, Malamfatori, Mobbar, Ajigin, Dikwa, Bama, Kondu’a, Gwoza, Mafa, Ka’a, and a host of others were suddenly plunged into chaos and fear, as no one felt safe anymore. Everyone fled.

The government and security forces stepped in to try and restore order, but it proved to be a difficult task. It is 14 years now. The terrorists are unyielding and have already gained a foothold and wielded significant power.

It seemed like the lake would forever be associated with fear and violence. Many Generals have come and gone, yet, the war still rages on. Sometimes hot, sometimes cold. But for each undulating temperature, lives are lost.

And so, the once-beautiful lake remained abandoned, no longer a significant source of fish but a grim reminder of how desperation and violence can take hold in even the most idyllic of surroundings.

Haruna, a seasoned journalist working in the Lake Chad region, is our guest writer.