By In a modest compound on the outskirts of Yola, I met Rabiatu, a determined mother of five whose life took an unexpected turn after nearly two decades of marriage.
Sitting quietly on a wooden bench outside her home, she shared how her husband abandoned her and their children years ago, leaving her to shoulder the responsibilities of parenting alone.
Rabiatu told this reporter that the separation was not sudden, but a gradual withdrawal of care and support. According to her, her husband stopped providing for the family and eventually left without explanation.
Since then, she has struggled to feed, clothe and educate her children without any financial assistance from him.
“I waited for years, hoping he would return and take responsibility,” she said during our interview. “But as time passed, I realized I had to stand on my own to protect my children and give them a future.”
To survive, Rabiatu turned to self-help by taking on domestic and home-based jobs within her community. She now cleans houses, washes clothes and performs other household tasks for families willing to pay small fees. Despite the challenges, she said the work has restored her confidence and allowed her to provide basic needs for her children.
Rabiatu explained that raising five children alone has been emotionally and financially exhausting, but she remains determined to keep them in school and away from negative influences. She added that community members and neighbors have occasionally supported her with food and encouragement during difficult times.
A local case worker Muhammed Muhammed who has always provided support for people like Rabiatu explained that many women in similar situations face financial strain and emotional stress after being abandoned by their spouses emphasizing the importance of counseling, legal guidance and community support in helping women rebuild their lives and make informed decisions about their future.
A community leader Mallam Ahmadu Umaru also spoke about the responsibility of families and society to support vulnerable households noting that abandonment of wives and children places a heavy burden on communities and called on men to uphold their responsibilities.
After years of waiting without support or reconciliation, Rabiatu said she has made a firm decision about her future. “I am confident now,” she declared. “I have done my best as a mother, and I believe it is time to seek a divorce so I can move forward with my life and focus fully on my children.”
