Voices from OxHRF: ‘Bits of Borno’ - life in the midst of crisis

Celebrations - Party from Bits of Borno (Photo (c) Fati Abubakar)

Elizabeth Laskar writes: There has been a gruelling conflict between the military and non-state armed groups in the north eastern regions of Nigeria for over 10 years. It has resulted in serious human rights violations and the desperate need for humanitarian assistance for the populations trapped in the middle. In the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe approximately 14,400 people have been killed, 53 percent of the total population of 13.4 million need humanitarian assistance, 1.3 million people have been internally displaced and 38% suffer daily from food insecurity. Terror, violence and conflict continue to plague these states. 

The terror group Boko Haram (meaning ‘western education is forbidden’) claims the state of Borno as their stronghold and continues to commit acts of terror in the region and neighbouring states of Chad and Niger who have been enveloped into the crisis. Between 2013 and 2015 the group killed more than 11,000 people and today the UN reports that 2.4 million people have been displaced in Nigeria and in the neighbouring countries. Unicef reports that over 1000 children have been abducted since 2013 by the group which includes the kidnapping of over 200 girls from a school in Chibok in 2014. 100 girls are still missing. A narrative of terror continues to be reported through news and media and stories of strength and resilience of the IDPs are often overlooked.

‘Bits of Borno’ is a project that chronicles the everyday lives of individuals and communities in the state of Borno. The project was instigated by Fati Abubakar, a celebrated Nigerian documentary photographer, photojournalist, and public health worker from the capital of Borno, Maiduguri. 

Through her photography, Fati wants people to bear witness to a different perspective of her hometown and she also aims to strengthen a narrative of hope within the IDP communities themselves. She feels her work counters the violent extremist message of Boko Haram - her passion is about creating counter-narratives for the underrepresented communities. 

‘Bits of Borno’ is a collection of unique stories that share the lives of the internally displaced through photographs of people living, working and thriving in the state of Borno. The pictures give a glimpse into the incredible ability for people to bounce back and over time begin to tell a new story.

Celebrations - Christmas (Photo (c) Fati Abubakar)

Celebrations - Eid (Photo (c) Fati Abubakar)

Celebrations - Eid (Photo (c) Fati Abubakar)

Education - Students (Photo (c) Fati Abubakar)

Vocation - Pastor (Photo (c) Fati Abubakar)

Vocation - Trader (Photo (c) Fati Abubakar)

Vocation - Farmer (Photo (c) Fati Abubakar)

Vocation - Driver (Photo (c) Fati Abubakar)

(Photo WHO Nigeria)

These pictures tell stories of resilient and thriving communities. Over the last three months COVID-19 has brought with it new considerations and pressures to communities. To demystify the virus and de-stigmatize survivors of COVID-19, the World Health Organisation alongside its partners is rolling out the   “COVID-19 Heroes Campaign”.  Borno state Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Task Force on COVID-19 Response, Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur said “In Borno state, where insurgency has caused enormous internal displacements for many people, loss of jobs and lives for others, it is only heroes and heroines that can survive a combination of these life-threatening conditions coupled with COVID-19 infection. This is the reason why the government recognizes the COVID-19 survivors as heroes and heroines”. It is clear that we must continue to support story tellers like Fati to help empower communities.

Biography: Fati Abubakar has gained critical acclaim for her work, and has been published in the New York Times, BBC, Reuters, CNN, Voice of America, Newsweek Europe, Nigerian Media including This Day and The Blueprint. She has been commissioned to work with UNICEF, International Alert, ActionAid and other organizations.  Fati Abubakar’s work was introduced to the festival by Planning Committee member Hauwa Suleiman (MA candidate DEP CENDEP)  

The OxHRF would like to thank Fati Abubakar for her contribution to our exhibition this year and Hauwa Suleiman.