A Night to Remember: My Harrowing Experience of Being Robbed in Bauchi City

By : Mujahid Ibrahim 

Life has a peculiar way of teaching lessons we never anticipate. For two years, I had grown accustomed to the comfort of moving around Bauchi City in my car. However, with the rise in petrol prices, I found myself reevaluating my choices. I began considering the use of a bicycle, which I thought was cost-effective, healthy, and practical.

On the evening of December 22, 2024, I decided to ride my bicycle to a friend's house for dinner, a mere 3 kilometers away. The dinner was delightful, filled with warm conversations and moments of reflection. After leaving my friend's house around 8:00 pm, I stopped by a mini-market at Wunti to pick up a few essentials before heading home.

As I pedaled through the busy streets around 8:30 pm, I felt the urge to listen to an interview with Prof. IBK by Bello Sagir Imam that had been released earlier that day. I stopped under the Wunti Flyover, currently under construction, to take out my phone and earphones. The area was bustling with vehicles and pedestrians, and I felt a sense of safety in the activity.

However, my sense of security was short-lived. A brand-new white Moto B motorcycle sped from behind me, its riders veering dangerously close. Before I could react, the motorcycle screeched to a halt, and two men dismounted swiftly. One of them demanded my phone, his voice sharp and filled with menace. I was startled, and my heart began racing.

One of the men took a step closer, revealing a knife glinting in the dim light. "If you resist, we'll stab you," he threatened. I handed over my phone without resisting, but they demanded more. "The bag," one of them said, motioning to the small bag I was holding from my shopping trip. I hesitated, and the knife came closer. Without another word, I surrendered the bag.

The robbers mounted their motorcycle and sped off through the bustling street, heading toward Gwallaga Juma'at Mosque and approaching the Nasarawa Roundabout. A kind-hearted bike rider nearby noticed what had happened and offered to help. He tried to follow them, but they escaped into the chaos of the night.

I stood there, behind the flyover, feeling a mix of helplessness and gratitude to Allah. Though shaken, I was unharmed. My phone, my bag, and my essentials were gone, but my spirit remained intact. I kept pronouncing "Yaa Allah" and repeatedly saying it several times. What else should I do?

As I pedaled home in silence, the incident replayed in my mind. I felt anger, sadness, and frustration, but also a growing sense of determination and thankfulness to Allah for saving me. This experience made me realize that the dangers on our streets are real, and we must take collective action to address them.

To the Bauchi State Government, under Governor Bala Muhammad, I urge you to prioritize the safety and security of citizens. The "Modern Bauchi City" deserves better. We need safer streets, better lighting in vulnerable areas, and a stronger presence of law enforcement. These flyovers are meant to be symbols of progress, not havens for crime.

To those in authority, especially the security forces, I urge you to pay attention to these areas, especially during night hours. To my fellow citizens, I plead that you be vigilant, monitor your movements around you, stop using phones while on streets unless necessary, and look out for one another.

And to those who find themselves in moments of loss or fear, remember; resilience is our greatest strength. Trust Almighty Allah only after doing your best. That night under the bridge, I lost possessions, but I gained a purpose. Alhamdulillah that it was not easy for them in my case.