In Kano today, the day started with an unusual sun and heat that was scorching her feet, and she was thirsty. However, her current situation made her oblivious to the heat. Her main goal was to reach Baba Kabiru's house. She had been walking since dawn and was now close to Nasarawa J.R.A. She thanked God in her heart as she was nearing Baba Kabiru's house. She stopped in front of a well-arranged house, indicating that the owner was either a government official or a wealthy businessman. She knocked, but there was no response, so she knocked again. The gatekeeper opened and, seeing her, said in broken Hausa that Alhaji didn't want beggars around and she should leave. He closed the door on her.
Hot tears streamed down her face as she raised her hands and prayed for a solution and her father's health. A car approached, and the gatekeeper opened the gate. Recognizing the car, she quickly stood up, her heart filled with joy. Muhibbat got out and asked if it was Samha. Samha confirmed and explained she came to see Baba. Muhibbat informed her that no one was home as they had gone to pick up Jabir from America and suggested she wait.
Samha got into the car, and the AC made her quiet as she pondered whether Baba Kabiru was really her uncle given his wealth. When the car stopped, she quickly got out. The gatekeeper, seeing her, mentioned that Alhaji had warned him not to let her in, thinking she was a Boko Haram member. Muhibbat corrected him, saying Samha was a relative.
Inside, Samha was asked about her shoes, to which she replied she didn't have any. Muhibbat then inquired about her father's health. Samha, holding back tears, explained that her father's condition was worsening, and he had been fired from his job without pay for six months. They were to attend a court hearing the next day because Baba Kabiru claimed their house was his and had sued her father.
Muhibbat expressed sympathy and led Samha to a luxurious room where she sat on a carpet. Soon, the family returned, and her presence was noticed. The father angrily asked who let her in. Muhibbat explained that Samha needed help and pleaded with her father to drop the lawsuit, reminding him that Samha was his niece and the house wasn't his. The mother slapped Muhibbat, scolding her for speaking against her father, who was doing everything for their comfort.
The mother then ordered Samha to leave, calling her names and insisting they wouldn't give up the house. Samha, in tears, begged them to let her family stay, holding Baba Kabiru's leg and reminding him of the transient nature of life and the promise he made to her late mother. In anger, Baba Kabiru pushed her, causing her to bleed, and threatened to kill her as he had done before. He then fell silent.
Dejected, Samha stood up and walked towards the door. Muhibbat called her back and gave her two thousand naira, signaling her to leave quietly. Samha took the money and ran out. Baba Kabiru then ordered some thugs to follow her and ensure she was dead by the next day.
25, December 2024
Amal
Mage