escaping violence in Nigeria

"We had to run to save our lives"


Modu and her four children fled their home in Nigeria to escape violence from Boko Haram.

The decision to leave everything behind – your home, your belongings, your livelihood – is never an easy one. As a mother, Modu made this decision to save her children’s lives and protect them from violence.

Weeks after fleeing their home, Modu and her children eventually made it to Minawao camp in Cameroon where they spent their time in a transit centre.

There first days inside the transit centre were not easy

Modu found it difficult to sleep at night. She says it was overcrowded and they lived in an extremely narrow place.

"Since then, life has become so much better"


Modu’s family was relocated to an Emergency ShelterBox tent. She has even made new friends who are also refugees and understand her experiences.

This tent and the other items we have been given have made my life so much better. I can sleep and stay with my family peacefully.

Modu received not just a tent, but a kitchen set, blankets and groundsheets, mosquito nets, water filters and carriers, and solar lights.

These items allow Modu to recover from disaster but also care for and protect her children.

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This Mother’s Day you can provide peace of mind to mothers, knowing their families are safe and protected while recovering from disaster.

Water filters and carriers can provide families with 1000 litres of clean drinking water – keeping them safe from illness and bacteria.

Blankets and groundsheets provide warmth and a feeling of safety to children recovering from disaster, like a warm hug.

Solar powered lights can light the path home, or help children feel safe at night.

STAND WITH WOMEN AFTER DISASTER

Women are disproportionately affected by disaster and crisis. Learn more about ShelterBox's efforts to help women around the world.