I lost 3,000 books to Boko Haram – Othman

Othman made the declaration while delivering a keynote address, titled Creative writing and the challenges of globalisation – The mediating role of residency, at the 4th anniversary of the Ebedi International Writers Residency in the Oyo State capital.

The former commissioner, who now teaches English and Literature at the University of Maiduguri, said he had felt deeply hurt when the books, which he regarded as his most valuable possessions, were destroyed by members of the Boko Haram.

He said, “In all my travels abroad, I have never bought anything except books. When I served as commissioner for information in my state, I travelled all over the world. My estacodes went into purchasing books. Also, as a chief of staff with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, I spent my estacodes on books.

“So I had a large collection of books, about 3,000 choice titles across every discipline – in addition to the ones I had acquired as a student – in my home in Madagali. It was a really special collection. Sadly, all the books were vandalised by the insurgents.”

Othman said his home was looted and virtually nothing was left behind, in addition to the destruction of his personal library and its priceless cultural contents.

He said, “From the fragments of information that I received from some of the residents – most of whom are still trapped in Madagali – the members of the sect that moved into my house hated anything that is intellectual or academic. I don’t have a house any more. The Boko Haram have taken over my home. They have taken over my community.”

http://nairaland.com/i-lost-3000-books-to-boko-haram-othman/

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I'm so sorry


I lost friends to Boko Haram

Wetin concern boko harms with your book.

Smh


God edit and delete insurgence from nigeria