Crushed by Boko Haram, Chibok boy walks after surgery in Dubai

Three years after he was crushed by Boko Haram insurgents in Chibok, Borno state, Ali Ahmadu, a six-year-old boy, is back on his feet again.

The insurgents had ransacked Chibok community a few days after abducting 276 girls in April 2014. Their motorcycles overran Ahmadu.

For three years, life was tough for the victim until Dickens Sanomi Foundation, a charity group based in Abuja, paid $48,000 (N17.5million) for his medical trip to Dubai.

He underwent a spinal cord surgery, which lasted six hours.

Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care( GIPLC), a non-governmental organisation,  had drawn the boy’s plight to Nigerians.

The GIPLC, headed by Nuhu Kwajafa, had approached eminent Nigerians for assistance, culminating in the decision of foundation led by Igho Sanomi, chairman of Taleveras Group, to pick the bill.

Ahmadu was operated upon on September 17, barely seven days after he arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He underwent spinal cord surgery at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah in Dubai.

The victim had proved wrong the doctors who said he would not be able to walk until three weeks after the operation.

The doctors described Ahmadu’s quick recovery as a miracle.

In response, Sanomi said: “Miracles do happen. For those of you who don’t believe in God, better believe in God now.

“This is Ali Ahmadu who was run over by Boko Haram terrorists in 2014. The boy and his pregnant mother were left under a three for three days. The boy was bleeding from mouth and nose throughout the agonizing days.

“Ali’s spinal cord was damaged and he couldn’t walk again. For three years, help was needed. God made it possible after five to six hours of surgery and 48 hours in intensive care. Little Ali could walk again. This happened today to everyone’s surprise.

“This determined six-year-old boy got off his bed and decided to walk despite doctors’ expectations that he would need physiotherapy to learn to walk again at least three weeks after surgery. Today, Ali walked after just seven days.

“This made my day and I am so proud of the Dickens Sanomi Foundation for making this surgery possible financially.”

Nuhu Fulani Kwajafa, founder of Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care ( GIPLC), spoke on how Ahmadu was picked up before finally landing in Dubai.

“After five hours on the 17th of September and almost 48 hours in Intensive Care Unit, Ali Ahmadu had a very successful procedure,” he said.

“It has been a divine journey starting far away in Chibok in 2014. It is the story of a little boy left to die, underneath a tree, to where (Dubai) we are today.

“It is about a fighting spirit, a resolute charming soul and spirit beating all odds to survive and walk again.

“It seemed unachievable but thanks to all our efforts. We have cause to rejoice. This is to say a big thank you from Ali’s family and GIPLC. Most especially our best regards go to the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his colleagues who set the ball rolling towards raising funds and awareness for the surgery.

“Our profound gratitude goes to Dickens Sanomi Foundation for making it all happen and for being at the hospital with Ali.

“This surgery was made possible by the esteemed Foundation. Thank you once again the Chairman of the Foundation, Igho Sanomi and its Board of Trustees.

“We thank the press ( print and electronic). We cannot do it without you.We are grateful. We thank Nigerians for their prayers and well-wishes. God will bless you all immensely. God has done it again.”Ahmadu, a six-year-old boy from Chibok, in Borno state, who was left paralysed by Boko Haram insurgents has been flown abroad for corrective spinal cord surgery