In April this year, a day that started with a simple bowl of pap would tragically end in the brutal murder of 17-year-old Falmata, altering the course of her family’s life forever.
Yakaka Alhaji Aisami, a resident of Bama, Borno State, speaks with raw emotion as she recounts the harrowing events that led to the loss of her firstborn to Hauwa Shaffi Nuhu. It was during the Ramadan fasting period when Falmata, her daughter, and she were in the midst of a seemingly ordinary moment—sharing a meal of pap, a staple enjoyed by many during Ramadan.
However, an innocent disagreement about the taste of the pap between mother and daughter would set off a tragic chain of events. Falmata had just finished cooking dinner with firewood in the heat of the evening when she tasted the pap and disagreed with her mother’s assessment of its flavor. This led to a confrontation with Awana, Yakaka’s brother-in-law, who accused Falmata of disrespecting her mother. The confrontation quickly escalated, revealing deep-seated anger and resentment that would ultimately spiral into violence.
“He came out of his room ranting,” Yakaka still remembers his exact words. “He said, Stupid child. Is she not your mother? Why would you talk to her like that? Why would you be talking back to her? Wallahi, I will deal with you right now, you disrespectful brat.”
Awana’s history of violence against Falmata, which included past physical abuse, resurfaced, and despite Falmata’s defiance in standing up to him, his rage continued to mount. He threatened to kill her, declaring that she had dishonored him and the family. His threats grew more sinister as he publicly sharpened a cutlass, making it clear that he was determined to carry out his violent vow.
Falmata, who had always been a responsible and caring daughter, took refuge at her mother’s brother’s house, but the danger was far from over. Over the next few days, Awana’s threats escalated further, declaring that if he couldn’t kill Falmata, he would kill Yakaka instead. Despite Yakaka’s efforts to involve authorities, including a community mediator, tensions remained high.
At one point, the conflict appeared to be resolved after Falmata apologized to Awana, but the peace was short-lived. The violence that followed would change everything. Late one night, after Yakaka had retired for the evening, she was abruptly awakened by the sound of her daughter’s haunting screams. Rushing to her side, Yakaka found Awana standing over Falmata, holding a bloodied weapon, and delivering the final blow that ended her daughter’s life.
“I vowed to kill her. And I did. Now you can do whatever it is that you want to do. I have dug her grave. You can bury her by 9 a.m. tomorrow,” Yakaka remembers Awana saying to her before exiting the place.
Falmata, who had shown nothing but care and concern for her mother in the hours before her death, was now gone. Her tragic death has left Yakaka in deep mourning, grappling with the shock and horror of how quickly a life filled with love and potential was taken away.
The murder of Falmata is not just a personal tragedy for Yakaka and her family but also a painful reminder of the gender-based violence and misogyny that persists in many societies, where women’s voices are silenced, and their lives valued less. Awana merely spent about two months in detention before he was released, a reflection of how deeply ingrained these harmful beliefs can be, and how the system of patriarchy continues to enable such tragedies.
HumAngle found that Awana was now living with family in Maiduguri, the capital city.
He went to his wife’s parents’ home to fetch her after being released. They refused to let him go with her because of the gravity of what he had done. He’s been living with a relative ever since. HumAngle has shared his exact location and contact information with the police.
The violence that claimed Falmata’s life leaves behind a family broken and a community scarred, forever haunted by the question: how could something so senseless and violent happen?
