I thought the name “Adamu” is attributed to security men only as we do see in some of the Nigerian movies until I met little Adamu in the year 2013 who happens to be an “Alamajiri” (One who seeks Islamic knowledge) Although, some of their Islamic teachers have turned them to beggars. You see them everywhere especially in Northern part of this country.

Adamu became my Abuja son immediately I found out he was smart, quiet and eager to learn all the time.

One-day, I was observing him, he wanted to gist with me about himself but all to no avail because he can’t speak English, myself don’t understand Hausa then.
He was just smiling at me, I smiled back then called him. “Adamu!”

He answered “Madam, ke ba Hausa”
(Madam you don’t understand Hausa language)

“Adamu ka ba Turenci”
(Adamu you don’t understand English language) I replied.

We laughed together.

With the help of Usman (my colleague) I was able to understand Adamu a little coupled with his demonstrations.

Adamu told me he is from Kano but sometimes, he will say no from Sokoto.

I understood him very well.
Due to his age and little child’s mentality. (He was about 5 years old when he came according to assessments)

We became very close when I started learning Hausa language so as to flow well in my discussion with my son (Adamu)

I bought cream, powder and bathing soap for him, so whenever he comes around, he must take his bath and change his dress.

Adamu was looking very different from his peers (Alamajiris) (Islamic knowledge seekers)

He started speaking pidgin English in the year 2014.
He came to me with excitement written all over his body and shouted “Aunty, Goodu money”

“Morning Adamu. It’s not ‘Goodu money’, but ‘Good morning’ okay?”

He opposed and said it’s the same “money money”.

“No Adamu!” I replied.
Money (Kudi)
Morning (Kwana)
Good money (Kudi Mai kyau)
Good morning (Ina Kwana?)

He nodded his head in agreement and gave me high five.

In 2015, Adamu gathered courage and energy, he came to me and said “Aunty, abeg tell am Mallam you wan go school for LEA”

I shouted “Ah! School! Adamu you mean, you want to start school?”

He said “yes Aunty”, with smiles.

I met Mallam Ibrahim (His Islamic teacher) He agreed without hesitation.

Adamu started from primary one, he do gist me everything that happens in their class. We will laugh and do his assignments together.

He started taking first position from primary 3 (2018). I was invited to their school as his guardian due to his outstanding performance. I was so proud of him. He once told me he wanted to be a medical doctor.

Adamu’s dream of becoming a medical doctor became memories in 2019.
Yes everything turned dark.
I was in school (UNN Enugu) that faithful afternoon when I felt Adamu’s presence (for you to imagine how close we were) I heard his voice very loud and clear saying, “Aunty, help me! Aunty help me!”

Immediately, I called Usman ( my colleague) to know how our future medical doctor was. He couldn’t hide it from me.
He told me that my son (Adamu) was dead.

No!
What happened to him?
Where?
Why?
How?
Too many questions at a time.

Adamu was caught by fire close to a foam producing company opposite my work place where an accident occurred, many vehicles were burnt. Unfortunately, Adamu was one of the Alamajiris that went to beg around that arena.

He died at a spot.
( On 05/08/2019)