Remembering the day Bashir had to go

On that fateful day, one of our relatives was getting married, and as always, Bash left Kaduna to Kano where the marriage was contracted. He, along with four other relatives left for Karofi where the bride was expected to be conveyed to. Before their departure, he insisted on praying. Unbeknownst to him, that was the last prayer he’d offer in this world.

As they were travelling in a convoy, some of our relatives were behind them, when suddenly a saloon car moving from the opposite side lost control in an effort to dodge a pot-hole and hit Bashir’s car as fire broke out, engulfing the vehicle.

None of them survived, their parts mutilated as their lives were snuffed out at tender ages of not more than 26. Their deaths brought to the fore the growing carnage on Nigerian roads, brought about by rapidly degenerating roads. The Katsina-Kano road, which is under rehabilitation by FERMA, has since become a source of worry to thousands of travellers using it.

The contractors, like their counterparts everywhere in the country, have failed to provide adequate signs for motorists to take note of. Most of the badly tarred roads, stretching several kilometres, have no warning signs while heavy duty machines still work along the road. Visibility is poor as dust blurs the sight of drivers left to their fates. It was on this very road, shortly after leaving Tsanyawa, that they met their untimely death.

Late Bashir’s dream has always been to see a Nigeria where possibilities abound, where justice prevails and where corruption is minimized so that every citizen can fulfil his dreams in a nation where nepotism counts no more. But that dream was shattered, as the same corruption he so much despised led to the end of his life.

A former student of Textile Technology from the famous Kaduna Polytechnic, Bash worked hard to enrol for his higher education, being from a humble family and as the first son of a family of fifteen. He worked hard so that, as the future head of his family, he could be able to place himself in a situation that could guarantee some level of independence to enable him become a source of inspiration to his siblings.

In 2008, he left Karofi to Kaduna, where he started processing admission into Kaduna Polytechnic, and in 2009 he got admitted to read Textile Technology. In 2011, he graduated at his ND level. Since his graduation, he continued planning to enrol back for his HND and he dreamt of adequately equipping himself.

Bashir was born on the 26th of July 1985 in Karofi and he died on the 19th of March 2011. He will be remembered by all those he came across as an amiable, simple and religious young man who lived a short life, touching several others positively. His friends will remember him as a colleague, a partner and a reliable soul. And to those of us, his uncles, relatives and parents, we will remember him as a dependable young man who lived and served God and mankind with dedication. May his soul rest in peace, ameen.

Karofi wrote in from Ali Akilu Street, Barnawa, Kaduna.