Triumph Over Tragedy: Ibn Maigana’s Humanitarian Efforts in Borno’s Flood Crisis
By Adamkolo Mohammed Ibrahim
Amid Maiduguri’s vibrant yet challenging landscape, where devastation from floods has wreaked havoc, one young man stands out, embodying an unparalleled spirit of volunteerism and compassion.
Lawan Bukar Maigana, fondly known as Ibn Maigana, is not your average thirty-something-year-old youth.
A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Maiduguri who has also recently signed up for a master’s programme there, a former tailor and now a dedicated social worker, he has become an inspiration of hope for the thousands affected by the current flood disaster in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State that struck on 9th September 2024.
While many in his age group remain engrossed in social media chatting, Maigana has transformed these platforms into tools for action and change, rallying support for those in dire need.
Ibn Maigana’s journey as a volunteer began the day after the floods when he took to Facebook to issue a heartfelt plea for donations. He wasted no time launching a crowdfunding campaign on Facebook the next morning.
His campaign started around 7:36 am on 10th September 2024, and from that moment, he has not rested, tirelessly working to alleviate the suffering of flood victims in Maiduguri.
His first appeal for donations was live, setting off a chain of events that would come to define his role as one of Maiduguri’s most notable humanitarians. His approach was simple yet powerful – using his personal Facebook account to mobilise resources for the victims.
His unique approach to humanitarian work revolves around transparency, accountability and a firm sense of duty to humanity.
In a world often blemished by suspicion and distrust, the trust he has built with his followers is evident in the overwhelming support he has garnered, with donations pouring in from far and near. But what sets Ibn Maigana apart is not just his use of social media, but the transparency and trustworthiness with which he has conducted his campaign.
Every donation, from the largest sum of ₦5 million to the smallest contribution, has been meticulously documented, instilling confidence in both his donors and his cause.
What sets Ibn Maigana apart is not just his relentless drive, but also the simplicity of his mission. He seeks no personal gain, only the satisfaction of knowing he is making a difference in the lives of others.
As he aptly puts it, his actions are motivated solely by “the love for humanity and for the sake of Allah SWT, from whom I expect my rewards.”
His postings on Facebook, often supported by real-time photos and videos, provide a transparent window into the work his team does on the ground. From distributing food and essentials to advocating for medical help, his actions speak louder than any words could.
In one of his early Facebook posts, Maigana shared the heart-wrenching story of three women – Khadija, Maimuna and Aisha – who tragically lost their babies due to complications brought on by the floodwaters. “Alhamdulillah,” he writes, “I spoke to them this morning, and they delivered, but tragically lost their babies.”
Despite the sorrow, he remained focused, immediately organising aid for other victims in the Tazako area in Maiduguri, where the number of displaced persons had surged by 20%.
In another post, Lawan reveals the urgency and selflessness that drives his efforts:
“We urgently need blood, group A, for a woman who has just been admitted to Galaxy Hospital in Bolori after giving birth at Uwais Alqarni.”
His immediate response to this crisis is telling of his character. In a moment of self-forgetfulness, he realises that his blood type matches the patient’s, and he promptly donated, demonstrating not just the willingness to help but also the readiness to act without hesitation when lives are at stake.
Narrating the harrowing tale of five young women who, despite enduring over 10 days with nothing but the clothes they wore, were too shy to seek assistance. “…five of them are in need of Hijabs for prayers. I spoke to my fiancée the day before, and she donated ten of her garments to them, which we have since distributed.”
Lawan’s narrative continues with the account of his broader relief efforts: “This morning [20 September 2024], we slaughtered the cow we purchased for the victims.
Last evening, we handed over 450 plates of jollof rice and 30 cartons of Yale bread to be distributed to victims in Gwange-3, Moduganari Bypass, and Uwais Alqarni School.”
In perhaps one of his most moving status updates, Maigana tells of a young woman who had undergone a Caesarean section (C-section) and tragically lost her baby just before the flood.
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Upon hearing of her plight, he ensured she was taken to a hospital, provided with money for nutritious food and admitted for further care. “I assured her that everything would be taken care of until she gets better, Insha Allah,” he wrote, capturing his heartfelt pledge.
He gave her assurances that her hopes would not slip away with the rising waters. The scene is a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis that has left thousands displaced and countless homes destroyed. As donations continue to pour in, albeit at a slower pace, the urgency for more assistance grows by the hour.
Operating from Bolori, a part of Maiduguri spared from the flood’s direct impact, Ibn Maigana and his team of volunteers have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their community. His efforts have been nothing short of a lifeline for many.
As the young social worker narrates, “Following the earlier efforts, our team was able to provide much-needed relief to 400 flood victims in the Baga Road area, thanks to the tireless support of volunteers and generous contributors like Alhaji Abba Usman Kusada and Ammar Girgiri.”
Considering the overwhelming need that continues to rise daily; this is no small feat. At the heart of his operation is a deep sense of accountability and compassion.
From organising deliveries of essential food items like bread and macaroni to responding to the distressing calls of mothers and families trapped in flooded areas, Ibn Maigana’s actions are a testament to the power of grassroots humanitarianism.
He recalls a particularly poignant moment in the Custom 3 House area, where women and children fainted due to hunger: “A mother, her voice trembling with emotion, called our team for help. Her cry for assistance was met with swift action, but the supplies were insufficient to meet the sheer magnitude of the need.”
Despite such heartbreaking encounters, Ibn Maigana and his team continue to push forward, undeterred. One of the most remarkable aspects of his work is how deeply personal it has become.
Each donation he collects, and each meal he distributes, is fuelled by a firm belief in the shared humanity that binds us all. As he recounts, in Tudun Wada, a family that had run out of provisions received immediate assistance from his team. “We finished the last bag of maize yesterday,” the head of the household explained, his voice heavy with the burden of responsibility.
But while the floodwaters may eventually recede, the scars they leave on the lives of those affected will take much longer to heal.
Ibn Maigana’s efforts extend far beyond the immediate distribution of food and resources. His mission is one of restoration, of not only providing sustenance but also restoring dignity and hope to those who have lost so much.
In places like Uwaiz Alqarni Private School and Ngarannan Primary School, where displaced families have taken refuge, Ibn Maigana’s team has worked tirelessly to ensure that meals are delivered. Still, as he candidly admits, the need far exceeds the supplies they currently have at their disposal.
Night after night, volunteers navigate the flooded streets of Maiduguri, delivering food to stranded victims at places like the Federal Low-Cost Jumma’at Mosque and Jajeri Primary School.
The challenges they face are immense, from the sheer number of displaced persons to the logistical difficulties of moving through flooded terrain.
Yet, even in the darkest hours, Ibn Maigana remains hopeful. “Every donation matters – whether it’s food, clothing, or even just the few minutes it takes to make a phone call,” he reminds his followers on Facebook.
In his own words, this is not merely about delivering supplies; it is about “restoring hope, one meal, one act of kindness at a time.”
For every family that receives assistance, there are countless more still waiting. Among those affected are not just individuals displaced from their homes but those whose livelihoods have been shattered.
The Monday Market, a crucial hub of commerce in Maiduguri, is submerged, leaving shop owners to salvage what little remains of their businesses.
Indeed, Ibn Maigana is more than just a young man with a passion for helping others.
He is a phenomenon – an embodiment of what it means to serve one’s community with love, compassion and humility. His spirit of volunteerism, fuelled by his deep faith in Allah, is a shining example of what is possible when individuals come together for the greater good.
As he continues his mission, we can only hope that his efforts inspire others to act, to give and to care. In times of disaster, it is people like Ibn Maigana who remind us of the power of community and the unyielding strength of the human spirit.
“May Allah ease their suffering and reward every single one of you for your support,” he prayed.
Contributor:
Adamkolo Mohammed Ibrahim
Lecturer and Researcher, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; PhD Research Scholar, Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]; WhatsApp: +2348035166525
