“Deep Cracks”
Photography: Ernest Agoba
Jos, Dogo-Nahawa: A Canvas of Tragedy and Hope
For me and many other artists, Art will always be a powerful tool for social and political consciousness. Throughout history, artists have harnessed their craft to express societal issues, and my focus has been on painting and photography, driven by the ever-evolving landscape of human experiences. The small village of Dogo-Nahawa, near Jos, Nigeria, became the figurative canvas for my first significant series of work, sparked by the horrors that unfolded there in January 2010. On the 17th of that month, violence erupted when armed militia, predominantly Muslim Fulani herders, attacked the village, targeting Christian residents in a brutal onslaught. This attack lasted for hours, mercilessly claiming the lives of over a hundred villagers, leaving homes smoldering and streets strewn with corpses.
In the heart of this village lived Amina, a Fulani Muslim woman, and her husband, Samuel, a Birom Christian teacher. Together, they represented a rare symbol of unity and love amidst the ethnic and religious divisions that plagued their community. Their marriage—a profound intertwining of faiths—was a beacon of hope in a landscape marred by conflict. They were dedicated to nurturing their two children, Fatima and David, believing that love had the power to transcend the barriers of faith and prejudice.
Amina was a hardworking farmer, tending to her crops with fierce dedication. Samuel devoted himself to education, teaching the village children about compassion and respect, nurturing the seeds of understanding in young minds. Despite the challenges posed by the tensions surrounding them, Amina and Samuel worked side by side, teaching their children the principles of co-existence and tolerance. However, on that fateful day, everything changed. As the attacks began, Amina and Samuel huddled together in their home, desperately trying to shield their children from the chaos outside. But as the gunfire and screams grew closer, Samuel made a heartbreaking decision. He insisted Amina flee with the children to safety while he stayed behind, knowing that if she remained, both could be lost.
“Gaping Holes”
Photography by Ernest Agoba
Amina fought back tears, understanding the impossible choice they faced. Yet, ultimately, she made the agonizing decision to leave, taking little Fatima and David by the hand and running into the darkness, away from the life they had built together. “Promise me, you will find a way back,” Samuel whispered, his voice thick with emotion, as he braced himself for whatever fate awaited him. She was later to hear that Samuel had been killed alongside over two hundred Christians in the village by the Fulani herdsmen.
As the killings raged on, Amina and her children fled to a neighboring village, where they lived in fear and uncertainty, each day filled with the dread of not knowing what had happened to Samuel. Meanwhile, Dogo-Nahawa lay in ruins. The unity that had once radiated from Amina and Samuel was shattered, their love lost amid the ashes and blood that painted the landscape of their former home.
In the weeks that followed, Amina sowed seeds in her heart—seeds of hope and determination. Even in her sorrow, she returned to the land with one thought in mind: to honor Samuel’s legacy by rebuilding their shattered dreams. She began to cultivate a new patch of earth, where she would plant not just crops but memories, drawing strength from the love they had shared. During this time, I was moved to depict the tragedy of Dogo-Nahawa through my art. My acrylic paintings, part of the series titled “Dogo-Nahawa,” became an expression of some of the atrocities witnessed by Amina and her family. Each artwork captured the sorrow, loss, and resilience of Amina’s spirit, reflecting the horrors wrought by violence and the hope rooted in their love—a love that still persisted despite the distance and separation.
Through Amina’s narrative, I sought to tell the stories of countless others who faced similar tragedies—the cost of division, the value of love, and the strength found in unity. For every stroke of my brush, I honored the memory of Samuel and the dreams that died that day, while celebrating the hope that Amina carried in her heart. In sharing this story, I invite all to reflect on the powerful truths carried by these tragic events. Amina’s journey is a call to action, urging us to embrace unity over division, love over hatred. As I continue to create, I am committed to honoring the memories of the lives lost in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria that war has ravaged.
“Dogon Nahawa: Rumours of War”
By Ernest Agoba
24″ x 36″, Acrylic on board, 2011
“Melee at Dogon Nahawa”
By Ernest Agoba
24″ x 36″ , Acrylic on board, 2011
The haunting story of Dogo-Nahawa, as vividly depicted in my exhibition, “Cracks and Crannies: Protest Art Exhibition,” speaks to the critical need for a comprehensive and effective response to the tragic history of violence between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. The ongoing strife, highlighted by heartbreaking narratives like that of Amina and Samuel, underscores the urgency for the Nigerian government to implement lasting solutions. Here are several strategies that could contribute to securing permanent peace between these communities:
- Promote Interfaith Dialogue: Facilitate conversations among Christian and Muslim leaders and community members to foster understanding and trust.
- Implement Conflict Resolution Programs: Create peace committees in conflict-prone areas to mediate disputes and prevent violence.
- Strengthen Hate Crime Laws: Enforce stricter laws against hate crimes and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
- Economic Empowerment: Invest in community development, job creation, and education to reduce socio-economic disparities fueling conflict.
- Support Grassroots Peace Initiatives: Empower local organizations to lead peace-building efforts in their communities.
- Cultivate Inclusive Governance: Ensure equitable representation of all religious and ethnic groups in political processes.
- Promote Tolerance in Education: Incorporate curricula that teach mutual respect and shared values in schools.
- National Healing Programs: Establish initiatives that acknowledge past traumas and facilitate reconciliation, such as truth commissions.
By adopting these strategies, the Nigerian government can help create an environment where all citizens can live in harmony, reflecting the urgent messages carried by our “Cracks.”
Mass burial of hundreds of corpses after a crises in Plateau State of Nigeria
