‘I saw many deaths’ — Buhari recounts civil war experience

President Muhammadu Buhari says his surviving the 1967-1970 civil war in Nigeria was by the grace of God.

Speaking on Friday when he visited Faruk Umar Faruk, the Emir of Daura, after he inaugurated some projects in Katsina state, Buhari said he saw many deaths.

“This opportunity to serve the nation comes from God. All over the world, Nigeria is known for its diversity, with different religions and cultures,” a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesperson, quoted Buhari as saying.

“We are also known because we have a huge population of millions of people. For the President of Nigeria, at this time, to come from Daura is the grace and mercy of God.

“I told Governor Aminu Bello Masari the story of how I left Daura to join the army. That was how God planned it. We make choices in life, but eventually destiny is before God.

“I was at the war front during the civil war, and saw how many died. Some fell right beside me. God kept me.

“Many bridges were blown just before we arrived at some places, and after we crossed. I arrived at some places to see bodies of my own colleagues that we were fighting together. I am alive today only by God’s grace.”

The president concluded a two-day visit to Katsina state on Friday.

Projects inaugurated on Friday included the Musawa General Hospital, Government Day Secondary School in Musawa, Gora-Makauraci-Malamawa road, Sandamu-Baure-Babban Mutum road, and Gurjiya-Sandamu-Karkarku road.