Borno Woman Returns Home After 15 Years, Unearths Gold Buried During Boko Haram Escape
A woman from Mallam Fatori in Borno State has made headlines after returning home following 15 years of displacement and unearthing a stash of gold she had buried while fleeing Boko Haram insurgents.
The discovery, described as both a financial and emotional relief, highlights the long-lasting impacts of insurgency on displaced families in northeastern Nigeria.
According to reports, the woman fled her hometown in the early 2010s when Boko Haram attacks intensified in the region. In a desperate bid to safeguard her valuables, she buried gold coins, ornaments, and a bracelet in a safe location before leaving. She remained displaced for over a decade, unable to return due to persistent insecurity.
Upon her return, she approached local authorities to help retrieve the buried treasures.
With the assistance of the divisional police officer of Mallam Fatori, a team of officers carefully excavated the site. They reportedly recovered 22 pieces of gold coins and ornaments, along with a gold bracelet with a chain, collectively valued at approximately ₦23.6 million.
The Borno State Police Command commended the officers involved for their integrity and professionalism, noting that the recovery restored hope for the woman and reinforced public trust in security agencies.
The Command emphasized the importance of protecting citizens’ lives and properties, particularly in areas affected by decades of insurgency.
For the woman, the recovered gold represents not only a significant financial asset but also a cherished connection to her late mother, serving as a symbol of resilience and survival.
The story has resonated widely, drawing attention to the ongoing challenges faced by returnees and displaced persons in Boko Haram-affected communities.
Security experts note that such recoveries, while rare, demonstrate gradual improvements in local security conditions, enabling displaced persons to reclaim property and begin rebuilding their lives.
The case also underscores the enduring human cost of the insurgency, highlighting the decades-long disruptions to families’ lives, property, and livelihoods.
As northeastern Nigeria continues to recover from the devastating effects of Boko Haram, authorities and humanitarian organizations are being urged to provide more structured support for returnees, including assistance with property reclamation, resettlement, and reintegration into communities.
