Ayuba Bassa, the National Coordinator of the Gwoza Christian Community Association, has shared his harrowing experiences with the violence perpetrated by Boko Haram in Gwoza, Borno State.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily, Bassa revealed that he was among the first in Gwoza to construct a high-rise building, which was ultimately burned down.
He stated that this building had been used by his uncle, who was a member of Boko Haram, before its destruction.
In a heart-wrenching recount, Bassa disclosed that four of his relatives were killed in front of his house by another family member involved with Boko Haram.
He further recounted the brutal killing of five of his uncles in an abattoir.
Bassa's story sheds light on the intense personal and communal suffering inflicted by Boko Haram's insurgency.
The militant group has wreaked havoc across northeastern Nigeria, leaving countless families shattered and communities in disarray.
Bassa stated that the Gwoza Christian Community Association, under his coordination, plays a crucial role in providing support and solidarity to those affected by the insurgency.
He said, "I happen to be the second person in the whole of Gwoza to build a high-rise building. My building was burnt, my uncle used it because he was a Boko Haram member, and it was later burned.
"In front of my house, four of my relations were shot dead by a relation of mine who was a Boko Haram member. Also, five of my uncles were slaughtered in the abattoir."
Watch the interview video here (start from 30:00).