One survivor of attacks by Boko Haram or by the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP), talks about his experiences in this interview with a Radio Ndarason International (RNI) correspondent in Yobe State in the north-eastern region.

The 11 years of conflict in the north-eastern region of Nigeria between the armed-groups known as Boko Haram / ISWAP, and the Nigerian Army has claimed over 35,000 lives, and displaced nearly three million people across the region.

An IDP, Bukar Modu, said the insurgents forcibly displaced him on three separate occasions, which made living difficult for him and his family. In 2011 following a spate of attacks on Maiduguri, the headquarters of Borno State and the most affected city, he fled to Gujba town in the northeast region.

Modu added that the insurgents invaded his community in 2011, and forced them including women and children to trek for almost 80 km. During the process some lost their lives.

In December, 2012, the armed-group launched a massive attack on Gujba, where he was taking refuge, killed many and destroyed infrastructure – including schools, hospitals and  the only bridge that connect the town with Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

He added that the security situation has improved a little bit compared to the last five years, and that he has since begun a new life as a tailor, and he is happy with his new job.

He did, however, urge the government to provide enough security in the rural areas to enable the IDPs to return to their ancestral homes.