2/9/2023 – Kano, Nigeria
Abbas Yushau Yusuf
In an extraordinary tale of rediscovery, a man who had been missing from Kano for half a century since the Biafran war has made a heartfelt return to his hometown. Malam Shuaibu, as he is known, left Kano during the tumultuous Biafran war and had been lost to his family and community until now.
The remarkable reunion was initiated by Ahmad Tijjani Musa, the Chairman of Tudun Wada Local Government in Kano, located in the North-Western region of Nigeria. Chairman Musa dispatched emissaries to Benue state, located in the North-Central region of Nigeria, after learning about Malam Shuaibu’s prolonged absence.
Upon their arrival, they set up a committee and urged him to return to his homeland. During their discussions, Malam Shuaibu revealed that during his absence, he had not been practicing Islam or any other religion, which troubled him deeply.
Responding to his plea, Chairman Musa took a significant step to assist in his spiritual and emotional journey. He administered the “Kalimatushhada” to Malam Shuaibu, signifying his reentry into the Islamic faith and welcoming him back to his community.
In a video message shared by Aliyu El-Idrith Shuaibu, the media aide to Chairman Musa, the administration of the “Kalimatushhada” to Malam Shuaibu was documented, symbolizing not only his recommitment to Islam but also his return to his roots and community.
This heartening reunion serves as a reminder of the enduring ties that bind families and communities, even after decades of separation. It underscores the power of empathy and the willingness of individuals and communities to extend a helping hand to those in need, ultimately resulting in a remarkable homecoming for Malam Shuaibu
