ganye 1

Diary of a documentary photographer (the traveller)

June 12^th 2018.

Ganye general hospital, Ganye local government area, Adamawa state.

Around 1415 hours, after lunch break in the consulting room I moved to the accident and emergency unit to check the activities happening when a burn victim was brought in. He was walking by himself but it was obvious to see that shock and adrenaline was the only thing keeping this man active after seeing the degree of burn he has gone through. The unfortunate story of how this happened to Umar or ibro as his family members call him will make the even a murderer cringe. Even though we only got his side of the story after being sedated in the theatre with a combination of analgesics (diclofenac injection, diazepam and eventually ketamine) he narrated how a lady he owes money, who took him to court and was ordered to pay her back in instalments through the court was dissatisfied with this after a disagreement. On the fateful Tuesday, she went to his house where he resides with his wife and kids and while he was enjoying a bit of reverie outside, she immediately poured petrol on him and lit it. I was dazed after hearing this I ran certain scenarios in my head. I’ve heard of stabbing, shooting, even a bow and arrow shot at an outreach in Yobe, but never setting someone on fire using petrol. The though one must pass through before deciding on this form of torture I can’t even fathom. The doctors, surgeons and nurses did the best they could for Ibro as the wounds were washed, disinfected and dressed under constant supply of IV fluid as the top layer of skin is gone so bodily fluids will have an easy exit. Only way to keep this man alive was replenishing these said fluids as fast as possible at constant intervals. He was referred the federal medical center in Yola town for further treatment and evaluation. We hope and pray for Ibro’s fast recovery.

Transporting this man was now an issue as the hospital couldn’t give us their ambulance because they are on strike so no way they can use hospital property without repercussions from the striking HQ or whatever they might be called (people are suffering due to strike thing). A car was provided by the family while we supplied money for petrol, put someone with them to help with constant replacement of IV drip soon as it runs out. That work was given to a Red Cross officer as he volunteered to accompany them and render his services. They arrived in yola around 9pm only for FMC to tell them that no available bed space. IMAGINE THIS!!!! But as with everything in this country, a few calls were made and a bed space magically appeared.

The perpetrator of this act reported herself to the police station in order to get away from lynching by an obviously angry mob. Unfortunately work became so hectic that we didn’t get a proper chance for a follow up but every time I remember this incident I pray to God for the wellbeing of Ibro.

Huge thanks goes to the team of doctors, Dr Okpara, Dr Ekene, the nurses, Francisca, madam Dorcas, madam Rhoda, Iyene , Mr Bitrus, the hospital staffs present, the Red Cross  and everybody involved that I forgot to mention in this post. attached below are some of the images.

viewer discretion is advised as some of these images, you may find disturbing